Winter chill in summer as rain pounds Gujarat's Saurashtra

Wet spells continue to pour misery over parts of Saurashtra as not only the farm produce lying in the open in market yards are getting destroyed, but mango farmers are also suffering losses in the peak fruit season.

The inclement weather was attributed to a western Disturbance as a cyclonic circulation over Pakistan and neighbourhood areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall with thundershowers across the state, especially Saurashtra, up to May 2.

Rain lashed several parts of the city since the morning on Saturday while the accompanying cold wind forced people to either stay indoors or take refuge in warm clothes.

Gondal town and rural areas which received substantial rain suffered losses as the farm produce kept in the open in Gondal market yard like chilli, onion, wheat among many other crops were damaged. Auction too had to be suspended in the market yard because of the downpour.

Besides Gondal, rain was also reported in other talukas of Rajkot district like Padadhri, Jam Kandorna, Jasdan and Jetpur.

In Jamnagar, the ground where the official celebration of Gujarat Day has been scheduled for May 1 has been spoiled.

Waterlogging has also been reported in several low-lying areas, while the unseasonal rain disrupted normal routine of the people.

Heavy rainfall up to 50mm was reported in Lalpur, Dhrol, and Jodiya talukas. Hapa marketing yard of Jamnagar discontinued business of farm produce like wheat, garlic, cumin and coriander looking at the forecast of unseasonal rains in the next couple of days.

In Junagadh marketing yard and in Keshod, boxes of mangos were damaged by the unseasonal rain.

Amreli, Dhari, Sanvarkundla and parts of Bhavnagar also reported rainfall on Saturday.

The current wet spell is expected to continue for two to three more days.