Lightning strikes killed at least 18 people in India's western state of Gujarat on Sunday, according to officials.
According to the news agency, many people were taken off guard because such severe rainstorms are not expected in the western state during the winter.
Although flash floods and lightning strikes kill hundreds of people in India each year, researchers have warned that extreme weather occurrences may become more common as a result of global warming.
According to a statement issued late Sunday by Gujarat state authorities, around 20 people were killed in the severe rains, with 18 of them struck by lightning. In addition, around 40 animals were killed in these incidents.
In a message on the social networking platform X, previously Twitter, India's Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his "deep sadness" over the fatalities.
"I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy for their irreparable loss," he said.
"The local administration is engaged in relief work, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured."