At least 27 people have been killed and about 25 injured by lightning strikes amid thunderstorms in India’s western state of Gujarat.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail were reported on Sunday and Monday, with some places receiving up to 14cm of rain, state government data showed.
The deaths were reported in 24 hours across in 12 districts, with 19 recorded in the Banaskantha district. Two other people died in a structural collapse, Gujarat’s State Emergency Operations Centre said.
“I express my deepest condolences for the irreparable loss to those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy," Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said on X. "The local administration is engaged in relief work, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
An annual average of 49 deaths from lightning strikes were recorded from 2017 to 2021, the National Crime Records Bureau said.
More than 70 animals, including cattle, buffalo, camels and goats, were also killed in the latest storms. Several houses and other structures were damaged and crops destroyed.
"We will begin a survey soon to assess the loss suffered," Gujarat Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel said on Monday.
Several parts of the country were hit by heavy rain on Monday. In the capital New Delhi, heavy rain and lightning caused at least 16 flights to be diverted to nearby cities. The southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala were also lashed by heavy rains at the weekend.
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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