Gujarat experienced torrential rains on Sunday, causing severe water-logging and disruption across key cities such as Ahmedabad and Surat. Palsana taluka in Surat district bore the brunt, recording an astonishing 153 mm of rainfall within a span of just ten hours, according to official reports. Visual evidence from the affected regions further underscores the extent of the flooding.
Traffic was severely impacted in cities including Surat, Bhuj, Vapi, Bharuch, and Ahmedabad. Flooding in low-lying areas rendered numerous roads and underpasses impassable, creating significant challenges for commuters. Officials reported that several talukas in Surat district experienced rainfall in the triple digits, with Bardoli recording 135 mm, Surat city 123 mm, Kamrej 120 mm, and Mahuva 119 mm. Other notable figures included Vapi in Valsad district with 117 mm, Olpad in Surat with 116 mm, Valsad taluka with 102 mm, Kaprada in Valsad with 90 mm, Khergam in Navsari with 88 mm, Bharuch taluka with 86 mm, Dharampur in Valsad with 73 mm, and Morbi taluka with 72 mm. Ahmedabad city reported 62 mm of rainfall between 6 am and 4 pm, leading to widespread water-logging.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the heavy rainfall to a cyclonic circulation over the northeast Arabian Sea adjacent to the Saurashtra region. This meteorological phenomenon has triggered an intense wet spell across the state, which is expected to continue over the next 48 hours.
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) disclosed that 43 talukas received more than 40 mm of rainfall within the ten-hour period from 6 am to 4 pm on Sunday, with Palsana taluka receiving the highest at 153 mm. The forecast for the coming days indicates further heavy rains, particularly in isolated areas of south and central Gujarat, as well as the Saurashtra region. Specifically, on July 3 and 4, the IMD predicts substantial rainfall in Valsad and Navsari districts in south Gujarat and Banaskantha district in north Gujarat.
The current deluge underscores the vulnerability of urban infrastructure in Gujarat to extreme weather events. As the state grapples with these challenges, the need for robust flood management and improved drainage systems becomes increasingly critical. The recurrent flooding in major cities like Ahmedabad and Surat highlights the urgent requirement for sustainable urban planning that can withstand the impacts of severe monsoon seasons.
The heavy rains and resultant flooding in Gujarat reflect broader climatic trends affecting the region. With the monsoon season still in progress, authorities and residents must remain vigilant and prepared for further weather-related disruptions. The situation calls for concerted efforts in disaster management and urban resilience to mitigate the adverse effects of such extreme weather events in the future.
