New Delhi, July 19, 2023: Gujarat was engulfed by heavy rainfall on Tuesday, resulting in widespread flooding and chaos in several districts. Rajkot, Surat, and Gir Somnath districts were severely affected as the state witnessed an astonishing 300mm of rainfall in just a few hours. As a precautionary measure, 70 individuals were evacuated from the affected areas.
Distressing visuals shared on social media depict the dire situation, with streets submerged, cars underwater, and shops closed due to the extensive flooding.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in select districts of Saurashtra and south Gujarat regions in the coming days.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that Sutrapada taluka in Gir Somnath district experienced the highest rainfall, recording 345mm within a mere 14 hours since 6 am on Tuesday. Similarly, Dhoraji taluka in Rajkot district witnessed 250mm of rainfall within the same timeframe, with 145mm pouring down in just two hours.
Surat also faced the brunt of heavy rains, with approximately 104mm of rainfall recorded throughout the day. Additionally, parts of Junagadh district witnessed torrential downpours.
The state government has put 43 out of Gujarat’s 206 reservoirs on high alert, while 18 are on alert mode, and warnings have been issued for another 19, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre.
Given the gravity of the situation, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) have been placed on high alert to tackle the current rainfall scenario.
