Gujarat is grappling with an intense monsoon onslaught, as June rainfall levels shattered a 44-year record, triggering widespread flooding across the state.
The state received an extraordinary 288.7 mm of rain in June—far exceeding the average requirement of 110.8 mm—marking a staggering 161% surplus. This makes it the second-highest June rainfall in 125 years, narrowly behind the 298.3 mm recorded in June 1980.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cautious outlook, forecasting continued rainfall over the next seven days. Heavy downpours are expected to hit parts of eastern North Gujarat, regions of South Gujarat, and areas of Saurashtra, with immediate heavy rain alerts issued for eight districts.
“We are witnessing an exceptionally vigorous monsoon season,” stated a senior official from the state’s Meteorological Department. “The atmospheric instability, exacerbated by a cyclonic circulation system, is leading to these intense downpours. We urge citizens to exercise extreme caution and follow all advisories.”
Flood-Like Situation in North Gujarat
The impact of this relentless downpour is already devastating. Banaskantha district, in particular, faced a severe flood-like situation on July 13. Dantiwada recorded an astounding 6.25 inches of rainfall, while Palanpur received 4 inches, leading to widespread inundation. The Abu-Ahmedabad highway was submerged under knee-deep water, leaving vehicles stranded and commuters struggling.
“It was chaos,” recounted Rajesh Patel, a truck driver stuck on the Abu-Ahmedabad highway. “The water rose so quickly; we had no time to react. Many of us were just left waiting for the water to recede, hoping for the best.”
Patan also bore the brunt of heavy rainfall, with railway underpasses completely waterlogged, rendering them impassable for vehicles. Drivers reported significant difficulties navigating the flooded roads, adding to the woes of daily commuters.
Orange Alert for Three Districts
For July 14, an orange alert has been issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places across Sabarkantha, Aravalli, and Mahisagar districts. Additionally, a heavy rainfall warning remains in effect for Banaskantha, Mehsana, Panchmahal, Dahod, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, and Dadra Nagar Haveli. In light of the rough sea conditions, the weather department has also strongly advised fishermen against venturing into the sea for the next two days.
Monsoon’s Extended Presence and Zonal Variations
This year’s monsoon has demonstrated a significantly longer presence in June, with 16 rainy days compared to just 9 days in June 2023. While the state as a whole has received excessive rainfall, there are notable zonal variations. South Gujarat has received the highest rainfall, experiencing 19 days of rain, while Kutch received the lowest with 8 days. A “rainy day” is officially counted when 2.5 mm or more rainfall is recorded.
Delving into the zonal data reveals the extent of the precipitation:
- Kutch: Received 142.3 mm (5.69 inches) against a requirement of 50.1 mm (2 inches), a remarkable 184% surplus.
- North Gujarat: Recorded 178 mm (7.12 inches) against 80.2 mm (3.21 inches) required, 122% more than average.
- Central-East Gujarat: Against a requirement of 113 mm (4.52 inches), received 278.9 mm (11.16 inches), a 147% surplus.
- Saurashtra: Saw 245.1 mm (9.80 inches) of rainfall against a requirement of 127.7 mm (5.12 inches).
South Gujarat has received 532.5 mm of rain—more than double its normal amount of 253.4 mm.
According to the Meteorological Department, this sudden increase in rainfall is due to a weather system called a trough with cyclonic circulation, which reached the Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh border by July 12. This system is causing unstable weather and is expected to bring more light to moderate rain in different parts of the state.
Ahmedabad and the East-Central Gujarat region can expect light to moderate showers, while South Gujarat and Saurashtra are likely to get moderate rainfall. Officials say the strength of future rains will depend on how close the weather system stays to Gujarat.