Gandhinagar, July 29: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted extremely heavy rainfall in certain areas of Gujarat, prompting the issuance of a ‘Red Alert’ for eight districts on July 31. In response, the Gujarat government has instructed all departments to be prepared for immediate action.
The Red Alert has been issued for Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, Tapi, and Dang districts. Additionally, the IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall under an ‘Orange Alert’ for several parts of Saurashtra on the same day.
Earlier, warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall were issued for July 29 and 30 in Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, and several districts in South Gujarat.
An Orange Alert has also been issued for parts of North Gujarat on August 1, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in some areas.
To review the state’s preparations for the upcoming rainfall, a Weather Watch Group convened at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Gandhinagar, chaired by Relief Commissioner Gaurav Makwana.
Makwana instructed all coordinated departments to map their resources and response teams to ensure they are ready for immediate deployment. He also directed officials from all departments to meet with district collectors without delay to complete the mapping process and be prepared for prompt action.
The meeting reviewed the administration’s preparations to ensure public safety during the monsoon and strengthen disaster management strategies.
To mitigate the risks associated with heavy rainfall and strong winds, the Roads and Buildings Department has been directed to promptly remove hoardings, banners, and unsafe structures within municipal and corporation jurisdictions.
Makwana emphasized the importance of timely communication of weather warnings and disaster-related messages to the public, including daily wage workers. He noted that individuals living in makeshift homes and slums, as well as labor force members, are often the most vulnerable during such events and will receive additional attention and safety measures.
Discussing the rainfall patterns this monsoon, Makwana remarked that rainfall in Gujarat has been highly uneven. While some areas, like Dwarka, have received very little rain, others, such as Valsad and Navsari, have experienced nearly 100% rainfall. Remarkably, Dholka received about 20 inches of rain in just two hours.
Given these conditions, the state government has instructed all relevant departments, district collectors, and disaster management teams to remain on high alert.
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