Ahmedabad Rains: Waterlogging and Alerts Issued
Ahmedabad, Gujarat – Ahmedabad experienced a significant downpour during the late hours of Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, as heavy rains lashed several parts of the city. The intense rainfall led to widespread waterlogging, disrupting daily life and prompting authorities to issue fresh alerts.
The city recorded an average of 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain overnight, with various localities witnessing substantial accumulation. Areas such as S. G. Highway, Jodhpur, Vejalpur, Vastrapur, Nehru Nagar, Paldi, Vasna, Juhapura, Makarba, Sarkhej, Nikol, and others reported significant waterlogging. Visuals from affected areas showed roads submerged and vehicles struggling to navigate through knee-deep water.
The heavy rainfall necessitated the closure of key underpasses, including Mithakhali and Akhbarnagar, causing traffic snarls and inconvenience for commuters. Additionally, one gate of the Vasna Barrage was opened to release water from the Sabarmati Riverfront, a standard procedure during heavy inflow.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier predicted moderate rain for Ahmedabad but the overnight showers exceeded these expectations, entering the “heavy rain” category in several areas. The IMD has now issued yellow and orange alerts for Ahmedabad, forecasting continued heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gusty winds for Thursday (June 19).
The southwest monsoon has advanced over Gujarat, and the state, particularly its southern districts, has been experiencing vigorous rainfall. Districts like Dang-Ahwa and Kaprada recorded extremely heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours, with figures reaching nearly 10 inches in some pockets.
Forecast for the Coming Days: The IMD predicts light to moderate rain or thundershowers for Ahmedabad in the coming days, with possibilities of heavy to very heavy rains in several districts of South Gujarat for the next six days. Gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, potentially rising to 60 kmph, are also expected, especially during the evening and night.
Citizens are advised to remain vigilant, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities. The unseasonal intense rainfall marks a challenging start to the monsoon season for Ahmedabad.