Ahmedabad: Gujarat has been battling heavy rains and strong winds for the past three days, caused by three upper air cyclonic circulations and trough lines. The death toll has risen to 21 in the last two days. Central and Eastern Gujarat reported 17 deaths, while over 20 others have been injured. In Northern Gujarat, three people and 45 animals have lost their lives due to the weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of the state, forecasting severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds.
In Bhavnagar’s Mahuva, nearly 7 inches of rain was recorded in just six hours. Meanwhile, Amreli’s Lathi received 2.5 inches, Savarkundla saw 2.25 inches, and Liliya and Amerli recorded 2 inches of rainfall each. The Meteorological Department has issued weather predictions for the coming days, forecasting thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the state from today through May 11. A red alert has been issued for extremely heavy rainfall in Bhavnagar, Amreli, Ahmedabad, Anand, Valsad, Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. An orange alert has been issued for the remaining districts of the state.
According to A.K. Das, Director of the Meteorological Department, today the state is expected to experience intense rainfall due to two active weather systems. The cyclonic circulation moving towards Madhya Pradesh is contributing to these conditions, and a trough line has also developed over the Arabian Sea.
The forecast includes thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and heavy winds across the state, with wind speeds expected to reach 60-70 km/h. As a result, red and orange weather alerts have been issued across various districts. Light storms are predicted in Kutch, Banaskantha, Morbi, Jamnagar, and Devbhumi Dwarka, with expectations of reduced lightning and rainfall activity.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for potential disruptions, including waterlogging, traffic jams, power outages, and possible damage to old buildings and advertisement hoardings. There are also concerns about agricultural damage and threats to livestock due to flooding and landslides. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid taking shelter under trees, and keep an eye on official weather updates from the IMD website and local authorities.