Record Rains Batter Gujarat, Flood Alerts Issued

Ahmedabad, Gujarat — Gujarat is reeling under an unprecedented monsoon onslaught, with June rainfall figures shattering a 44-year record and triggering widespread flooding across the state. Against a typical June requirement of 110.8 mm, the state has been deluged with a staggering 288.7 mm of rain, marking a phenomenal 161% surplus. This makes it the second-highest June rainfall in 125 years, surpassed only by the 298.3 mm recorded in June 1980.

The Meteorological Department has issued a grim forecast, predicting continued rainfall across Gujarat for the next seven days. While parts of North Gujarat’s eastern areas, some regions of South Gujarat, and parts of Saurashtra are expected to bear the brunt, an immediate heavy rain warning has been issued for eight districts.

“We are witnessing an exceptionally vigorous monsoon season,” stated a senior official from the state’s Meteorological Department. “The atmospheric instability, exacerbated by a cyclonic circulation system, is leading to these intense downpours. We urge citizens to exercise extreme caution and follow all advisories.”

Flood-Like Situation in North Gujarat

The impact of this relentless downpour is already devastating. Banaskantha district, in particular, faced a severe flood-like situation on July 13. Dantiwada recorded an astounding 6.25 inches of rainfall, while Palanpur received 4 inches, leading to widespread inundation. The Abu-Ahmedabad highway was submerged under knee-deep water, leaving vehicles stranded and commuters struggling.

“It was chaos,” recounted Rajesh Patel, a truck driver stuck on the Abu-Ahmedabad highway. “The water rose so quickly; we had no time to react. Many of us were just left waiting for the water to recede, hoping for the best.”

Patan also bore the brunt of heavy rainfall, with railway underpasses completely waterlogged, rendering them impassable for vehicles. Drivers reported significant difficulties navigating the flooded roads, adding to the woes of daily commuters.

Orange Alert for Three Districts

For July 14, an orange alert has been issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places across Sabarkantha, Aravalli, and Mahisagar districts. Additionally, a heavy rainfall warning remains in effect for Banaskantha, Mehsana, Panchmahal, Dahod, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, and Dadra Nagar Haveli. In light of the rough sea conditions, the weather department has also strongly advised fishermen against venturing into the sea for the next two days.

Monsoon’s Extended Presence and Zonal Variations

This year’s monsoon has demonstrated a significantly longer presence in June, with 16 rainy days compared to just 9 days in June 2023. While the state as a whole has received excessive rainfall, there are notable zonal variations. South Gujarat has received the highest rainfall, experiencing 19 days of rain, while Kutch received the lowest with 8 days. A “rainy day” is officially counted when 2.5 mm or more rainfall is recorded.

Delving into the zonal data reveals the extent of the precipitation:

Kutch: Received 142.3 mm (5.69 inches) against a requirement of 50.1 mm (2 inches), a remarkable 184% surplus.

North Gujarat: Recorded 178 mm (7.12 inches) against 80.2 mm (3.21 inches) required, 122% more than average.

Central-East Gujarat: Against a requirement of 113 mm (4.52 inches), received 278.9 mm (11.16 inches), a 147% surplus.

Saurashtra: Saw 245.1 mm (9.80 inches) of rainfall against a requirement of 127.7 mm (5.12 inches).

South Gujarat: Received a staggering 532.5 mm (21.3 inches) against a requirement of 253.4 mm.

The Meteorological Department attributes the recent surge in rainfall to a trough with a cyclonic circulation system that reached the Madhya Pradesh-Gujarat border by July 12, creating significant atmospheric instability. This instability is expected to continue triggering light to moderate rain across various areas. Ahmedabad, along with the entirety of East-Central Gujarat, can expect light to moderate showers, while South Gujarat and Saurashtra are likely to experience moderate rainfall. The intensity of future downpours, authorities indicate, will largely depend on the proximity of the trough to Gujarat.