The torrential rains of monsoon have caused the deaths of at least 18 people since Monday in Gujarat, in India, the government of this northwestern Indian state said today.

“Eighteen people died in rain-related accidents and dozens of others living in low-altitude areas were rescued,” the Gujarat government said in a statement last night.

With heavy rains expected to continue in the coming days, Gujarat Chief Minister Bupendra Patel has reviewed the measures taken by the authorities.

The commissioner in charge of rescue operations in Gujarat, Alok Kumar Pandey, confirmed that the 18 people died as they were struck by lightning or trapped in collapsed buildings.

Floods and landslides are a common occurrence in India during the monsoon season, which runs from July to September.

Scientists believe that climate change is making these events more frequent, intense, and unpredictable.