Large parts of Vadodara are already flooded
Gujarat latest news: The land of Gaekwars has a proud military history but it also has had to bow before nature's fury. Vadodara is getting ready to face downpour that has already caused flooding in many parts of the city. Citizens are having to wade through thigh-high water in order to conduct their business. Vehicles are breaking down and life is out of gear. To add to the trouble, it is expected that the city will face more rains on Thursday. Schools in the city have declared holiday on Thursday (July 31, 2019). All schools, government and private, will be shut tomorrow.
Wednesday's rains spared no one. School students had to wade through water just like office-going public. Those staying in 'kachcha' houses suffered greatly. Low lying areas of the city saw rampant water logging. Watch what Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said about flooding in Vadodara.
The city saw a downpour of 6 inches just between 2 pm and 4 pm on Wednesday. Next two hours saw rainfall measuring 4 inches lashing the city.
Water in Vishwamitri river is flowing close to the danger mark.
Weather forecasting agency, SkyMet has said that light to moderate rain and thunder shower is expected in Vadodara in next 6-12 hours. Thundershowers will be accompanied by isolated heavy and strong gusty winds.
Similar weather forecast has been predicted for many parts of Gujarat.
These include Ahmedabad, Amreli, Anand, Aravali, Banas Kantha, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Botad, Chhota Udaipur, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gandhinagar, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kachchh, Kheda, Mahesana, Mahisagar, Marvi, Narmada, Navsari, Panch Mahals, Patan, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sabar Kantha, Surat, Surendranagar.
Incessant rains and heavy winds have uprooted 15 trees across Vadodara. Authorities have advised residents of low lying areas to move to safer places.
Specific advisories have been issued to citizens living in areas like Akota, Vishwamitri, Ajrod, Maachhi Peeth, Nagarwada, Salatwada, Karelibaag, Fatehganj. The authorities have advised residents to not venture out of their houses.
India Meteorological Department has released fresh prediction for monsoon rains across the country. The table below includes rainfall predictions for next 5 days. (Click to enlarge)
IMD forecast
In the table, it can easily be seen that wideapread showers (WS) are expected in Gujarat region.
In Vadodara, authorities are keeping watch on water levels of Vishwamitri river. The level has risen by 20 feet. The danger mark is at 22 feet.
Floodwaters have rendered many railway routes useless. Rail route from Sayajiganj to Alkapuri is waterlogged. Drainage system of the city has come under major strain.
The rains have brought good tidings to farmers as it is likely to prove beneficial for the crops.
Watch | Rivers and creeks in full flow as heavy rain lashes South Gujarat
