In the past 24 hours, several talukas in South Gujarat have faced heavy rains. Areas such as Navsari, Surat, and Tapi have reported significant rainfall. Jalalpore in Navsari recorded the highest, with 133 mm (5.24 inches). Navsari town followed with 108 mm (4.25 inches). Other notable measures included Mahuva in Surat at 56 mm and Gandevi in Navsari at 54 mm. Valod in Tapi saw 51 mm of rain.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned fishermen against venturing into the sea along Gujarat’s coast until July 26. This warning is due to rough sea conditions. An orange alert has been issued for several districts, predicting very heavy rainfall on July 27 and 28.
As of 4 pm on Wednesday, heavy showers continued in southern Gujarat. Dharampur and Pardi in Valsad received 48 mm and 47 mm of rain, respectively. Vyara and Valod in Tapi reported 46 mm and 44 mm. Mahuva in Surat received 35 mm, while Khergam in Navsari got 30 mm. Valsad and Kaprada saw 21 mm and 20 mm, respectively.
These heavy rains are a result of various weather systems operating in the region. The monsoon trough, along with an upper air cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan, is contributing to these conditions. Another trough stretches from the northeast Arabian Sea to the west-central Bay of Bengal, influencing South Gujarat and surrounding areas.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), Gujarat has recorded a total of 482 mm of rainfall this monsoon season, which is about 54.67% of the average for this time of year.
Since June 1, the administration has relocated 4,278 people to safer areas. Of these, 689 were rescued, with 434 from Surat and 128 from Bhavnagar. The highest number of relocations took place in Bhavnagar (2,308), followed by Panchmahal (500), Surat (283), Vadodara (173), and Surendranagar (134).
As of Wednesday, the Narmada Dam was 58.19% full, and 206 reservoirs across the state had exceeded 60% of their total capacity. Furthermore, 48 dams are on high alert, 17 are on alert, and 25 are under warning status.
The IMD’s rain forecast indicates the following:
– July 24-25: Heavy rainfall is expected in Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Dang, Tapi, Navsari, and Valsad.
– July 26: Rain is likely in Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Dang, Tapi, Navsari, Valsad, Amreli, and Bhavnagar.
– July 27: An orange alert is in place for very heavy rain in Panchmahal, Dahod, and Chhota Udepur.
– July 28: Banaskantha, Mehsana, and Sabarkantha are expected to receive very heavy rain.
– July 29: Heavy rainfall is likely in Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Navsari, Valsad, and Kutch.
Residents of South Gujarat are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions as heavy rainfall continues to affect the region.