At least 24 people died in one day due to lightning during unseasonal rains in the state of Gujarat in western India.

The state's Emergency Operations Center said that Gujarat witnessed a large number of lightning strikes on Sunday, "resulting in the death of about 71 animals and damage to 29 houses."

Officials added that "at least 23 people were injured on Monday afternoon."

Most of the deaths were reported in the Dahod area, where 4 people died, while 3 died in Banaskantha and Baruch, two in the Tapi area, and the rest of the casualties were distributed across other parts of the state.

Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms continued until Monday, with some places receiving up to 144 mm of rain within 24 hours, according to state government data.

The Indian Meteorological Department said that the cyclone's circulation over the northeast Arabian Sea and the neighboring regions of Saurashtra and Kutch caused heavy rainfall in the state.

The Agriculture Minister of Gujarat, Rajavij Patel, also said: "We will soon start a survey to assess the losses we have incurred," adding that compensation will be paid to the victims based on the survey results.

Federal Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences to those who "lost their loved ones in this tragedy due to their irreplaceable loss."