- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a warning, cautioning that heavy rainfall would persist in parts of Gujarat until June 30
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 26
After the cyclone fury Gujarat received heavy rains forcing the authorities to go slow on relief operations in cyclone-hit coastal areas. The advancement of the southwest monsoon saw several parts of Gujarat receiving heavy rainfall on Monday, with more showers expected over the next three days, officials said.
Regions, including Rajkot, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Jamnagar experienced downpours, leading to road closures and widespread waterlogging. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning, cautioning that heavy rainfall would persist in parts of Gujarat until June 30.
In the 36-hour period ending at 6pm, Umargam taluka in Valsad received a massive 262 millimetres of rain, a release from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) said.
The SEOC release said 121 mm rain was recorded in Mahemdavad taluka of Kheda, 110mm in Nadiad taluka of Kheda, 101 mm in Vapi taluka of Valsad, 83 mm in Morbi, 75 mm in Ghogha taluka of Bhavnagar, 69 mm in Dhandhuka taluka of Ahmedabad and 65 mm in Wadhwan taluka of Surendranagar.
Low-lying areas, roads and underpasses in Nadiad, Morbi, Umargam and Vapi towns saw knee-deep waterlogging that affected traffic movement, officials said.
In its forecast issued during the day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted ‘heavy to very heavy rain’ in isolated places in Navsari and Valsad in south Gujarat on Tuesday.
“The southwest monsoon has advanced into more parts of Gujarat and conditions are favourable for it to further advance during the next two days. Heavy rain could occur in isolated places in Arvalli, Mahisagar, Dahod, Surat, Tapi, Junagadh and Gir Somnath on Tuesday,” the IMD forecast said.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the IMD said ‘heavy rain’ may occur at isolated places in Navsari, Valsad, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Bharuch and Surat.
While the monsoon provides respite from the scorching summer heat, heavy rainfall has been predicted for several districts in Gujarat. North Gujarat districts, Saurashtra, and parts of South Gujarat are expected to face downpours on June 27. On June 28, Vadodara and other districts in South Gujarat, as well as parts of Saurashtra, are expected to experience heavy rains.
The weather forecast for June 29 has warned of heavy to very heavy rains in isolated places, particularly Surat and districts of South Gujarat. On June 30, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, and Saurashtra districts have been predicted to witness heavy rainfall.
Last year, the southwest monsoon entered Gujarat on June 13, two days ahead of the expected date of June 15. However, this year’s onset faced further delays, heightening apprehensions among the agricultural community.
With the state having already received 11.27% of the total average monsoon season rainfall, largely influenced by Cyclone Biparjoy, authorities and residents remain vigilant. Ongoing efforts aim to mitigate the impact of these weather conditions and provide necessary assistance to those affected by waterlogging.
