Gujarat is experiencing heavy rains as the monsoon has officially begun. The downpour started last night in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, with thunderstorms causing waterlogging in many low-lying areas. A school bus got stuck in an underbridge, trapping students and staff. This weather has also affected Valsad, where 37 roads have been closed due to flooding. In Dharampur, 20 roads are shut, and 10 in Kaprada. The main market road in Vapi is submerged, causing significant traffic jams on the National Highway between Vapi and Mumbai.
According to the meteorological department in Ahmedabad, the monsoon is now active across Gujarat, particularly in Saurashtra and Kutch. In the last 24 hours, areas like Surendranagar, Botad, Jamnagar, and Bhavnagar have received heavy rains. Other regions, including Banaskantha, Anand, Morbi, and Dwarka, have also reported significant rainfall.
The highest recorded rainfall was in Khergam, Navsari, with 2.05 inches, followed by Olpad in Surat with 1.93 inches. Other notable rainfall reports include 1.69 inches in Kamrej, 1.46 inches in Umarpada, and 1.30 inches in Surat city. In Valsad, the rainfall was 1.57 inches.
The Gujarat Disaster Management Authority reports an average rainfall of 21 mm across the state in the last 24 hours. The southern parts of Gujarat, in particular, have seen an average of 52 mm. Overall, Gujarat has received an average rainfall of 12.87% so far this monsoon season.
The weather department has issued yellow alerts for Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Dang, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath, and Diu due to the likelihood of heavy rainfall. Additionally, red alerts have been issued for eight districts.
As a precaution, 34 dams in Gujarat have been put on alert due to the heavy rains at the start of the monsoon season. Water is being released from these dams as part of flood management efforts.
The forecast indicates that heavy rainfall will continue for the next two days, especially in southern Gujarat and Saurashtra. The meteorological department warns that the situation may worsen, necessitating continued alerts and public caution.
On Wednesday, June 18, heavy rains were recorded across 89 talukas from 6 AM to 4 PM. The weather department has predicted heavy rains until June 24, leading to yellow and orange alerts. The situation remains critical in Ahmedabad and surrounding areas, where thunderstorms and heavy rain led to significant flooding. Water has accumulated in many underpasses and low-lying regions, causing traffic chaos. Some residents in areas like Madhumalati Awas and Kathwada are facing severe waterlogging, reminiscent of last year’s flooding, which required rescue operations. The city’s drainage system has struggled to cope with the deluge, raising concerns about preparedness for future rainfall.
The weather department’s forecast indicates that from June 20 to June 21, heavy rainfall is expected in Tapi, Navsari, Dang, and Valsad. Alerts have been issued for these districts to prepare for potential flooding and disruptions. The monsoon is forecasted to shift towards northern Gujarat after June 23, with expectations of rain in Banaskantha and Sabarkantha.
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and to exercise caution on the roads due to potential flooding and traffic disruptions.
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