Ahmedabad faces flash flood risk: Gujarat under Red Alert for extremely heavy rains

Ahmedabad is currently under a severe weather warning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for major parts of Gujarat due to the threat of extremely heavy rainfall. Residents have been urged to stay indoors and keep a close watch on weather updates as the city braces for the possibility of flash floods. The ongoing downpours have led to widespread waterlogging, and extensive rescue efforts are already in progress.

The IMD forecasts that the region will continue to experience intense rainfall over the next two to three days, driven by a deep depression moving from east Rajasthan towards the Saurashtra region. On Monday alone, Ahmedabad received 10 cm of rain between 8:30 am and 8:30 pm, complicating daily life for many residents.

In response, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has advised residents to avoid waterlogged areas, especially underpasses, and exercise extreme caution when travelling. As a safety measure, the Gujarat education department has announced a holiday for all schools in the state on Tuesday.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in Ahmedabad has issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to check their flight schedules and allow extra time for check-in processes due to the adverse weather conditions.

Western Railway has also announced the cancellation of several MEMU special trains.

The relentless rains have caused severe disruptions throughout the state. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed for rescue operations, evacuating over 17,000 people and rescuing more than 1,600 individuals.

In Bharuch city, authorities relocated 280 people from low-lying areas after nearly 4 lakh cusecs of water were released into the Narmada River, pushing water levels dangerously close to the 24-feet mark.