Ahmedabad: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for several districts of Gujarat, warning of extremely heavy rainfall on September 6 and 7. Authorities have stepped up preparedness with disaster response teams deployed and district collectors instructed to remain on high alert.

A review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi at the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) in Gandhinagar on Saturday directed officials to monitor dam water levels, release water when required, and alert villages in low-lying areas in advance.

Districts under alert

  • Orange alert – Patan, Gandhinagar, Kheda, Mahisagar, Morbi, Rajkot, Botad.
  • September 7: Red alert – Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Aravalli, Kutch.
  • Orange alert – Patan, Gandhinagar, Surendranagar, Morbi, Mahisagar.

Precautionary measures

  • Examinations: With the Gujarat Public Service Commission exam scheduled for Sunday, collectors have been asked to ensure smooth conduct near exam centers.
  • Festivals & gatherings: Special precautions have been advised for Ganesh Visarjan processions and the Bhadarvi Poonam Mela in Ambaji, where thousands of devotees are expected. District authorities have urged pilgrims and villagers in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.
  • Disaster readiness: So far, 12 NDRF and 20 SDRF teams have been deployed across Gujarat, with an additional NDRF team kept on reserve in Vadodara.

Rainfall figures

On Saturday, 209 talukas recorded rainfall. Kaprada in Valsad topped the chart with 182 mm in 12 hours. Other heavy rainfall areas included Botad (89 mm), Poshina in Sabarkantha (83 mm), Paddhari in Rajkot (80 mm), Talod (78 mm), and Sanand in Ahmedabad (77 mm).

Ahmedabad city reported an average of 20.38 mm rainfall, with southwest zones such as Bakrol (34.5 mm), Jodhpur (28.5 mm), and Sarkhej (27.5 mm) receiving the highest. Seasonal rainfall in Gujarat now stands at 98% of the average.

IMD forecast

  • Sept 7–8: Very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall forecast for Banaskantha, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, and Kutch; heavy to very heavy rainfall in Patan, Gandhinagar, Mahisagar, Surendranagar, Rajkot, and Morbi.
  • Officials have urged citizens to avoid venturing near rivers, dams, and water bodies during the alert period and to immediately contact district and taluka control rooms in case of emergencies.