- South Gujarat records torrential rains, Umarpada worst-hit with 283 mm.
- Surat-Mumbai train services suspended due to severe waterlogging.
- Karjan Dam releases 30,000 cusecs, affecting downstream villages.
Gujarat Weather: Heavy rains have been lashing several parts of Gujarat over the past few days. According to data released by the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) for the period between 6:00 am and 12:00 pm on July 23, the South Gujarat region witnessed torrential downpours with severe waterlogging conditions reported in several talukas within a span of just six hours.
Record Rain In Umarpada, Umargam
Umarpada taluka in Surat district was the most severely affected, recording a total of 283 millimeters of rain between 6:00 am and 12:00 pm. Umargam in Valsad district also bore the brunt of the weather, recording 251 millimeters of rain. Additionally, normal life has been disrupted in Netrang, Bharuch, which received 175 millimeters of rain.
Affected Areas In South Gujarat
Heavy rain continues in the Valsad and Navsari districts as well. Rainfall figures recorded include 168 millimeters in Pardi (Valsad), 138 millimeters in Nani Pondha, and 123 millimeters in Kaprada. Khergam taluka in Navsari received 164 millimeters of rain, while Vansda recorded 113 millimeters. Ukai and Vyara in Tapi district recorded 125 millimeters and 116 millimeters of rainfall, respectively, while Waghai in Dang received 125 millimeters.
Situation In Ahmedabad, Other Cities
Rainfall has also picked up pace in major cities across Gujarat. Ahmedabad city recorded a total of 66 millimeters of rain by 12:00 pm. Meanwhile, Surat city recorded 49 mm of rain, Vadodara 16 mm, and Gandhinagar 12 mm. Heavy rainfall of 130 mm was also recorded in Bechraji, located in the Mehsana district of North Gujarat.
In view of the heavy showers, the administration is on high alert, and residents of low-lying areas have been advised to exercise caution.
Gujarat Train Services Affected
Heavy to very heavy rain in South Gujarat has severely disrupted Western Railway services. Due to waterlogging on the tracks, all train operations between Surat and Mumbai have been temporarily suspended. Major trains running between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, such as the Karnavati Express and the Double Decker Express, had to be halted mid-journey due to the rain.
A temporary diversion built over a river in Umran village was washed away by the strong flood currents. The destruction of this diversion has completely cut off Umran and about seven nearby remote villages from the taluka and district headquarters. With the road blocked, emergency services and all forms of transportation have come to a standstill, causing significant hardship for the villagers.
High Alert In Low-Lying Areas
Heavy rain in the catchment areas has led to a massive inflow of water into the major Karjan Dam on the Narmada River. Maintaining the dam's water level has become necessary; therefore, the administration has decided to release 30,000 cusecs of water into the Karjan River by opening two gates of the Karjan Dam at 12:00 PM. A large volume of water is being released from the dam.