Ahmedabad Submerged: Heavy Rainfall Causes Widespread Waterlogging, Exposes Civic Response Gaps

Ahmedabad experienced significant rainfall over a four-hour period, with the city recording an average of one inch of precipitation. Eastern areas including Vatva, Narol, Maninagar, Odhav, Viratnagar, Nikol, Ramol, Kathwada, and Hathijan were hardest hit, receiving up to two inches of rain. Narol village faced severe waterlogging, disrupting daily life.

In Vastral, approximately one inch of rain led to extensive flooding, submerging roads near Kesar Heights Flats to half-vehicle depth. Despite two hours passing, stagnant water remained unmanaged.

Local BJP corporator Hitesh Barot from Thaltej ward promptly visited affected sites after being alerted. He coordinated vehicle recovery efforts and directed municipal officials to deploy Varun pumps for water drainage.

The afternoon downpour also flooded the Bopal railway underbridge. One driver attempted to navigate the submerged passage but abandoned the vehicle after it stalled. The individual escaped unharmed.

By 5 PM, an additional half-inch of rain fell across Maninagar, Vatva, Nikol, Jashodanagar, CTM, Ramol, Odhav, Viratnagar, Gomtipur, Jamalpur, Paldi, and Vasanā. Low-lying eastern zones like Sardarnagar, Saijpur, Kotarpur, Naroda, Memnagar, and Airport areas accumulated two inches, causing waterlogging in Saijpur Garnala, Kubernagar, SP Ring Road, and Nikol Road.

Residents in several societies reportedly cleared blocked drains themselves due to absent civic staff. Notably, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation officials remained unavailable on-site despite the ongoing crisis.