Gujarat Rains: 21 Dead, Red Alert in 23 Districts Amid Cyclonic Systems

AHMEDABAD,GUJARAT – Gujarat has been reeling under intense rainfall and thunderstorms for the last 48 hours, triggered by three upper air cyclonic circulations and a trough line, affecting 103 talukas and resulting in 21 deaths across the state. Central and East Gujarat have witnessed the highest casualties, accounting for 17 deaths and over 20 injuries, while 3 people and 45 animals died in North Gujarat due to rain-related incidents.

Mahuva in Bhavnagar Receives 7.5 Inches in Six Hours

Torrential downpour has battered multiple regions, with Mahuva in Bhavnagar recording 7.5 inches of rainfall within just six hours. Other severely affected areas include Lathi in Amreli (2.5 inches), Savarkundla (2.5 inches), Liliya (2 inches) and Amreli town (2 inches). The unrelenting rain has led to widespread damage to infrastructure, electricity lines, and roadways.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in 23 districts and two Union Territories, warning of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in areas such as Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bhavnagar, Amreli, Vadodara, Surat, Valsad, Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Winds of 61 kmph, Orange and Yellow Alerts Issued

Moderate rainfall accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 41 to 61 kmph has been forecasted for the next three hours. An orange alert is active in Mehsana, Patan, Rajkot, Surendranagar, Porbandar, and Junagadh, while a yellow alert covers Banaskantha, Morbi, Jamnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Kutch, which are also vulnerable due to the cyclonic conditions.

Power Cuts, Tree Falls, and Waterlogging in Cities

In Ahmedabad, the situation has worsened with the opening of Vasna Barrage gates, prompting an alert for Dholka and low-lying areas. The fire department responded to over 20 tree fall incidents, while a transformer caught fire, disrupting electricity in parts of the city. Fire incidents were also reported in two AC units at an ATM on Waghodia Road.

At noon on Tuesday, the city was engulfed in darkness as thick black clouds loomed. Light rain continued in areas like Naranpura, Vadaj, Memnagar, Akhbarnagar, and Shastri Bridge, causing major traffic congestion near Thaltej and Palladium Mall due to waterlogging.

Interestingly, the rainy weather sparked a long queue outside the famous Anand Dalvada shop in Naranpura, where people stood in lines for hot snacks and kheer for 15–20 minutes despite the downpour.

Vadodara’s Drainage Woes Exposed

In Smart City Vadodara, the ongoing 100-day mission to clean and widen the Vishwamitri River and drainage systems failed to prevent flooding in slum and low-lying areas. Water entered homes and shops in areas like Hathikhana and Tulsiwadi, while parked vehicles were submerged. Angry residents have raised questions about the efficacy of the municipal administration.

Widespread Rainfall Data in Bhavnagar District

Between 6 AM and midnight on Tuesday, Bhavnagar city recorded 57 mm of rainfall, Ghogha 33 mm (approx. 1.5 inches), Palitana 20 mm, Umarala 13 mm, Mahuva and Sehore 12 mm each, Gariyadhar 14 mm, and Talaja 10 mm. Rainfall in Ghogha alone crossed 2.25 inches, reflecting the intensity of the storm system.