Gujarat On High Alert As IMD Warns Of Extremely Heavy Rainfall; Armed Forces Kept Ready For Rescue Operations

Gujarat has been placed on high alert after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast extremely heavy rainfall across several parts of the state between July 31 and August 2. The warning has prompted the state administration to intensify disaster preparedness measures, with emergency agencies, district authorities, and armed forces mobilized to respond to any flood-related emergencies.

According to state officials, several districts, including Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Bharuch, Anand, Narmada, Tapi, Dang, Chhota Udepur, Panchmahal, Dahod, and Mahisagar, have been identified as high-risk areas due to the anticipated weather conditions. The administration has directed all concerned departments to remain on maximum alert as heavy rain continues to impact different parts of the state.

Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Jayanti Ravi conducted a high-level review meeting with senior officials to assess disaster management preparedness. During the meeting, she ordered the cancellation of leave for local government officials and instructed district administrations to ensure uninterrupted emergency monitoring. Authorities have also been directed to keep district control rooms operational around the clock, with senior officers deployed on a 24-hour basis.

As part of precautionary measures, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are being positioned in vulnerable and low-lying regions to enable rapid deployment if conditions deteriorate. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have also been placed on standby to support relief and rescue operations should widespread flooding occur.

District collectors have been authorized to declare school holidays depending on local weather conditions. In response to the IMD warnings, educational institutions in several districts, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Panchmahal, Anand, Bharuch, Navsari, Jamnagar, Kheda, and Vadodara, have already been ordered shut on Friday as a safety measure.

Authorities are preparing evacuation plans for residents living in flood-prone areas. Relief shelters equipped with food supplies, safe drinking water, and medical assistance are being readied to accommodate displaced residents if necessary. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors during periods of intense rainfall.

Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana said Gujarat is currently experiencing a highly uneven rainfall pattern. While some areas such as Dwarka have received relatively low rainfall this season, districts including Valsad and Navsari have already recorded rainfall levels close to their seasonal averages. This imbalance has increased concerns about localized flooding and waterlogging in vulnerable regions.

The Roads and Buildings Department has also been instructed to remove potentially hazardous hoardings, banners, and dilapidated structures in urban areas to reduce risks during strong winds and heavy rain.

The IMD has issued a red alert for Friday in districts including Narmada, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Bharuch, Surat, Tapi, Dang, Navsari, Valsad, Bhavnagar, and Botad, indicating the likelihood of exceptionally heavy rainfall. An orange alert has been issued for Gandhinagar, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, and several districts in the Saurashtra region, including Rajkot, Surendranagar, and Amreli.

For Saturday, red alerts remain in place for Ahmedabad, Anand, Surendranagar, and Rajkot, signaling continued concerns over severe weather conditions.

The warning comes after several districts in South Gujarat, particularly Surat, Valsad, and Navsari, witnessed flood-like conditions in recent days due to relentless rainfall. Ahmedabad city and surrounding areas also experienced severe waterlogging, disrupting transportation and daily life. With more intense rain forecast in the coming days, authorities are focusing on preparedness and rapid response to minimize the impact on residents and infrastructure.