Ahmedabad faced severe flooding on Wednesday evening after just two inches of rain fell in one hour. This unexpected downpour exposed major flaws in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) ₹841.45 crore monsoon action plan. Many areas in East Ahmedabad, such as Maninagar and Odhav, were heavily affected, resulting in traffic disruptions, property damage, and even loss of life.
From 7 pm to 8 pm, Maninagar recorded over two inches of rain. In total, some areas received nearly four inches over a nine-hour period. The rain caused flooding in major localities, including Vatva, Chakudiya, and Nikol.
One tragic incident occurred in Odhav when a 45-year-old man named Manubhai Panchal was swept away while riding his bike. He fell into an open drainage line, and despite a nine-hour search operation, his body was discovered 200 feet from where he fell. This incident highlights the risks posed by inadequate drainage systems.
The flooding was severe enough to inundate areas near the Odhav Fire Station, where waist-deep water was reported. Several underpasses in Maninagar South and Kubernagar were closed due to water accumulation, paralyzing the city.
Residents in low-lying areas saw water rushing into their homes and shops. Videos shared on social media showed water flooding into residential and commercial spaces, leading to public outrage against the AMC’s lack of preparedness. Commuters were left stranded for hours, with one person stating it took two hours to travel just 15 km.
Emergency services were busy responding to multiple calls. At 8:54 pm, a distress call about a drowning near Ambikanagar prompted a search and rescue operation. Another incident involved a youth who fell into a water-filled pit near Mogal Mata Temple.
Waterlogging affected various parts of the city, including Kubernagar, Bhargav Road, and Naroda. Around 9:15 pm, Bopal also experienced heavy rain with thunder and lightning.
The rainfall data from Wednesday revealed significant totals across the city. For instance, Maninagar received 121 mm, while Odhav received 109 mm. The citywide average was 48.22 mm, with a seasonal total of 12.84 inches so far.
Despite the substantial budget allocated for monsoon preparations, Wednesday’s flooding showed that Ahmedabad still has a long way to go to be fully prepared for the rains. Many residents are left questioning the effectiveness of the AMC’s plans and what measures will be taken to improve the situation in the future.
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