Gujarat Braces for Six Days of Heavy Rain as IMD Issues Red Alert

GANDHINAGAR : Gujarat is preparing for another spell of intense monsoon weather as four rain-bearing systems have become active simultaneously, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for 13 districts on July 31. The state government has placed disaster response teams on high alert, while schools and colleges in Ahmedabad and Vadodara will remain closed to ensure students’ safety.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state until August 2, with Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Bharuch, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, Dang, Anand, Botad, Bhavnagar, Chhota Udepur and Narmada among the districts under red alert on Thursday.

“Four weather systems are influencing Gujarat simultaneously, including a deep depression, the monsoon trough, an upper air cyclonic circulation and a western disturbance. Their combined impact will intensify rainfall over the next few days,” said Dr. A.K. Das, Director of the Meteorological Department.

On Wednesday, 24 talukas in South Gujarat received light to moderate rainfall. Authorities warned that rainfall intensity is expected to increase significantly from Thursday onward.

A Weather Watch Group meeting chaired by Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana reviewed the state’s preparedness at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Gandhinagar. Officials directed district administrations to deploy NDRF and SDRF teams wherever required, evacuate residents from low-lying areas and remove unsafe structures, including dilapidated buildings and hoardings.

“We have instructed all departments to remain in action mode and ensure timely evacuation wherever there is a risk to human life,” Makwana said.

The administration noted that rainfall has been highly uneven this season. While Valsad and Navsari have already recorded nearly 100% of their seasonal rainfall, areas such as Dholka witnessed nearly 20 inches of rain within a short period.

Officials said more than 53,600 people have already been shifted to safer locations in South Gujarat ahead of flood threats, while over 9,600 stranded residents have been rescued during recent flooding.

The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the Arabian Sea, warning of strong winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph and rough sea conditions.

With widespread rain, flash floods and waterlogging expected over the coming days, authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded areas and follow official advisories until the weather improves.