Ahmedabad woke up to waterlogged roads and bumper-to-bumper traffic on Thursday after a heavy overnight downpour lashed the city with over 2.74 inches of rain between 10 pm and 5 am. Major intersections saw traffic snarls, several underpasses were shut, and vehicles were left stranded in knee-deep water.
Underpasses Shut, Barrage Gate Opened
The Akhbarnagar and Mithakhali underpasses were closed during the night. To manage water levels in the Sabarmati River, one gate of the Vasna Barrage was opened slightly.
As floodwaters at Akhbarnagar receded, a car was found abandoned in the underpass, raising concerns over commuter safety. SG Highway’s service road near Pakwan Circle was submerged in ankle-deep water, slowing traffic. In Sterling City, Bopal, streets were flooded with 1 to 2 feet of water, making it difficult for school children and parents to commute.
East Ahmedabad Worst-Hit
According to AMC data, the eastern part of the city received the highest rainfall. Ramol recorded 3.7 inches, followed by Nikol with 3.6 inches and Kathwada at 3.4 inches. The east zone averaged 3.3 inches, while areas in the north like Memco, Naroda, and Kubernagar received around 2.9 inches.
Elsewhere, Mansa in Gandhinagar district received over 3 inches of rainfall between midnight and 2 am. Gandhinagar got 2.68 inches, Dehgam 2.28, and other nearby towns like Vijapur, Prantij, and Kheralu also saw significant showers.
More Rain, Wind Alerts Issued
The IMD has issued red alerts for Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, Dang, and Bharuch. Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Anand, and surrounding areas are expected to see thunderstorms with winds of 30 to 40 km/h. Alerts for lightning and gusty winds have also been issued across multiple districts.
House Collapse in Khadia, Four Rescued
In Khadia, a partially collapsed old house in Navalram ni Khancha trapped four people around 2:30 pm due to rain damage. Fire brigade teams rescued all four, including two elderly residents, with no injuries reported.
Meanwhile, AMC has started demolishing structurally weak and dangerous buildings to avoid further incidents during the ongoing monsoon.