Heavy rains forecast, Gujarat to face week long monsoon fury

Gujarat is bracing for another spell of intense monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across most districts from August 19 to 25. Isolated locations are also expected to witness extremely heavy downpours, raising fears of floods and disruptions across the state.According to the IMD bulletin issued on Monday, districts including Navsari, Valsad, Junagadh, Amreli, Gir Somnath, Surat, Dang, Tapi, Rajkot, Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Dwarka, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Bharuch, Patan, Surendranagar, Morbi, Kutch, Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Aravalli, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Anand, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Jamnagar, Botad, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, and Narmada are likely to be impacted.
The weather office has issued a red alert for Navsari, Valsad, Junagadh, Amreli, and Gir Somnath on Tuesday, while an orange alert has been sounded for Surat, Dang, Tapi, Rajkot, Porbandar, Bhavnagar, and Devbhumi Dwarka. For August 20, the red alert continues in Navsari, Valsad, Amreli, and Bhavnagar, with an orange alert in Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Bharuch, Surat, Dang, Tapi, Porbandar, Junagadh, and Dwarka.The IMD defines heavy rainfall as 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm and very heavy rainfall as 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours. The current wet spell has been attributed to a strong low-pressure system with cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, supported by another system over the Arabian Sea and a robust monsoon trough spanning central India.Authorities have further warned of urban flooding, flash floods, and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Traffic snarls are already being reported in several cities. The risk of lightning strikes, damage to slum settlements near rivers, drains, and railway tracks, as well as potential riverine flooding in catchment areas remains elevated.Municipal services may also face temporary setbacks, with potential power outages, water supply disruptions, and damage to weak structures. Strong winds accompanying the downpours could uproot trees and collapse advertising hoardings, adding to public safety concerns.
Impact on Agriculture
The inclement weather is likely to impact standing crops such as rice, maize, pearl millet, black gram, banana, mango, and sapota, alongside horticultural plantations. Farmers across rain-hit districts are bracing for possible crop damage, which could affect yields this season.As per the consolidated monsoon report, Gujarat has received 68.91% of its seasonal average rainfall of 607.65 mm till 6 am on Monday. With a week of heavy rain ahead, officials expect the state’s seasonal rainfall tally to rise significantly.State authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories as Gujarat prepares to endure a week-long monsoon fury.

(State Correspondent)