AHMEDABAD: Unseasonal rains caused by the western disturbance lashed almost all parts of Gujarat since early Sunday, with the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) recording 20 deaths till 11pm.

Low visibility led to a flight being diverted at Surat airport, while at least 10 other flights were delayed.The deaths, primarily caused by lightningduring thunderstorms, were the highest in Dahod at four, followed by three in Bharuch, two in Tapi and one each in Ahmedabad, Sabarkantha, Kheda, Devbhumi Dwarka, Panchmahal, Botad, Mehsana, Surendranagar, Surat and Amreli.In addition, at least 40 animals were killed, as per government authorities.The showers and strong winds along with hailstorms caused widespread destruction of crops and damage to property.

The assessment of the damage would take place once the rains subside, officials said.According to SEOC, Chuda in Surendranagar recorded the highest rainfall from 6am to 8pm at 111mm, followed by Surat city (99mm), Umarpada in Surat (89mm), Nadiad (80mm), and Kukarmunda in Tapi (77mm).

In all, 15 talukas recorded more than 50mm rainfall, and 50 talukas recorded 25mm to 50mm.

Of the 252 talukas in Gujarat, 233 recorded at least 1mm rain on Sunday.The IMD forecast indicated dissipation of impact by Tuesday, as light rains were expected in some parts of South Gujarat.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, who is currently on a visit to Japan, reviewed the condition in the state and asked the administration to step up the relief work.Even as the hailstorms and gusty winds lashed most districts of Saurashtra region and raised concerns over damage to rabi crops, a video that went viral on social media showed people gathered on a bridge near Maliyasan village on Rajkot-Ahmedabad highway after the entire stretch of the bridge was covered in hailstones.

City and highway traffic was affected across the state, said authorities.