Weather News from Gujarat has raised serious concern as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that five different weather systems are currently active across the state. This unusual development has triggered heavy rainfall warnings, particularly in coastal and southern districts. According to the IMD, Gujarat is expected to receive significant rainfall between August 20 and 21, with conditions likely to continue for the next five days.
Red and Orange Alerts Issued in Multiple Districts
The Meteorological Department has placed several regions under red and orange alerts due to the possibility of intense rainfall. Districts such as Amreli, Bhavnagar, Navsari, Surat, Valsad, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Gir Somnath, and Porbandar have been put under a red alert, signaling a high risk of flooding and waterlogging. On the other hand, Junagadh, Devbhumi Dwarka, Tapi, Dang, Panchmahal, Vadodara, Bharuch, Dahod, Kutch, Jamnagar, and Rajkot are under an orange alert, where residents are warned to stay cautious.
Forecast: Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain for the Next Five Days
According to the IMD forecast, Gujarat will experience thunderstorms accompanied by heavy showers over the next five days. Districts like Ahmedabad, Kheda, Anand, Aravalli, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Patan, and Banaskantha are expected to witness continuous rainfall. The authorities have already advised fishermen not to venture into the sea for at least five days, considering the high-risk conditions in the Arabian Sea.
NDRF and SDRF Teams on Alert
To manage possible emergencies, the Gujarat government has placed 12 NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams in the state. Additionally, 20 SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams are stationed in vulnerable districts. One NDRF team has been kept on standby, while another is in reserve for urgent deployment. Authorities have also allocated an SDRF team to ensure safety during the Tarnetar fair in Surendranagar district.
Rainfall Data from the Last 24 Hours
The last 24 hours have brought widespread rain across Gujarat. According to official data, 152 talukas recorded rainfall, with Kalyanpur receiving the highest at 6.73 inches. Other notable figures include:
- Dwarka – 5.43 inches
- Mangarol – 3.74 inches
- Porbandar – 3.62 inches
- Umargam – 2.68 inches
- Mandvi – 2 inches
- Ranavav – 2 inches
- Kukavav – 1.77 inches
- Patan – 1.73 inches
- Jamnagar (Jamjodhpur) – 1.69 inches
- Nakhatrana – 1.65 inches
- Una – 1.30 inches
- Talod – 1.22 inches
- Umarala – 1.22 inches
- Saraswati – 1.18 inches
- Maliya Hatina – 1.65 inches
This widespread rain has led to water accumulation in many regions, raising concerns of flooding if heavy downpours continue.
Overall Rainfall Status in Gujarat
So far, Gujarat has received an average of 68.91% rainfall compared to its annual monsoon quota. Among the regions:
- South Gujarat has received the highest at 72%,
- North Gujarat stands at 71%,
- Kutch recorded 70%,
- East-Central Gujarat has 69%, and
- Saurashtra has received 63% of seasonal rainfall.
In the past 24 hours alone, Dhoraji (Rajkot) reported more than 3 inches, while Maliya Hatina saw over 2 inches. Similarly, talukas such as Dang Ahwa, Abdasa, Kamrej, and Subir also recorded more than 2 inches of rain. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar confirmed that 24 talukas received over one inch of rainfall in a single day.
IMD Issues Advisory for Fishermen
In its Weather News bulletin, the IMD has specifically cautioned fishermen against venturing into the sea between August 18 and 21. Strong winds and rough sea conditions are expected due to the active weather systems. This advisory is crucial for the safety of coastal communities that depend on fishing for livelihood.
Impact on Agriculture
The consistent rainfall has brought mixed effects on Gujarat’s agriculture. On one hand, farmers are relieved as good rainfall has boosted sowing during the kharif season. According to the Agriculture Department, sowing has already been completed on 87% of the targeted area. Key crops include:
- Groundnut covering 20 lakh hectares (highest),
- Soybean covering 2.73 lakh hectares, and
- Paddy (rice) on 8.43 lakh hectares.
This progress indicates that Gujarat’s farmers are benefiting from the timely rain, although excess water could damage certain crops if heavy rainfall continues for long.
Preparedness and Public Safety
The state government has urged citizens to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities. Low-lying areas in coastal districts are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Officials are closely monitoring water levels in rivers and reservoirs to prevent overflow situations.
The Weather News updates highlight that while the rainfall is crucial for agriculture and groundwater recharge, the combination of five active systems could cause localized flooding, traffic disruption, and property damage if precautionary measures are not taken.
Conclusion
The coming days are critical for Gujarat as the state faces intense monsoon activity. With five weather systems active, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and rough sea conditions are likely to continue. Fishermen, farmers, and residents in alert zones must take precautions to minimize risks. Authorities remain on high alert to manage emergencies, ensuring safety while balancing the benefits of much-needed rainfall.