Gujarat is bracing for a week of turbulent weather as the state’s meteorological department has issued a seven-day forecast warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts. The alert, active from 29 August to 4 September, is attributed to two active rain-bearing systems currently hovering over the state.
The warning has put large parts of South and Central Gujarat on high alert, where the weather office has cautioned of torrential showers accompanied by strong winds. Coastal authorities have raised signal number three, urging fishermen to remain ashore due to the heightened risk of rough seas and high waves.On Friday, yellow alerts were extended to more than 15 districts including Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Anand, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, Tapi, Navsari, Dang, Valsad, Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli. The early signs of impact are already visible as rain lashed 103 talukas within a 10-hour period, with Dolvan in Tapi recording the highest downpour at 6.34 inches.
Also Watch : An Exclusive Interview with Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS), CEO MHADA
Heavy showers have led to waterlogging in cities such as Nadiad, disrupting traffic and daily life. In Surat, the Kim River swelled significantly, submerging a low-lying causeway in Mangrol’s Shethi village. Authorities have been monitoring reservoirs closely, with water levels rising in Dharoi Dam in Mehsana prompting the release of water through four open gates into the Sabarmati River as a precautionary measure.Officials have urged communities living near riverbanks and flood-prone zones to shift to safer locations, stressing the importance of preparedness in the face of intensifying rain events. Meteorological experts suggest that these recurring weather systems highlight the increasing unpredictability of the monsoon cycle, underlining the larger challenge of climate resilience in urban and rural Gujarat alike.
The forecast signals not only a difficult week ahead for residents but also underscores the urgency of sustainable urban planning. In recent years, episodes of flash flooding have laid bare the fragility of drainage systems in Gujarat’s growing cities, with poor infrastructure compounding the risks faced by vulnerable communities.For rural and coastal populations, particularly fishermen and agricultural workers, the forecast could disrupt livelihoods significantly. Fishermen have been categorically advised to suspend operations, while farmers have expressed concerns over the potential damage to standing crops due to waterlogging and soil erosion.
While the forecasted rains will recharge reservoirs and groundwater crucial for agriculture, experts caution that the balance between water security and flood risk must be managed more systematically. For Gujarat, the week ahead will be a reminder of the pressing need to align disaster preparedness with climate-resilient development strategies.
Also Read :Â Gujarat Gandeva Ena Expressway Secures COD, Boosts Delhi Mumbai Corridor
Gujarat faces seven day alert as two rain systems intensify
