Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Surat, Gujarat, causing severe waterlogging and disrupting daily life. The downpour, which intensified on Sunday, has left numerous vehicles stranded on inundated roads, as seen in visual reports from affected areas. Pictures and videos show vehicles wading through knee-deep water, while pedestrians struggle to navigate the heavy rainfall.
The impact of the heavy rains extends beyond Surat, affecting other regions of Gujarat as well. Porbandar, Junagadh, and Devbhumi Dwarka districts have also experienced significant waterlogging, leading to traffic congestion and the closure of several roads, causeways, and underpasses. Speaking to ANI, a local priest in Porbandar described the ongoing challenges faced by residents, where despite the cessation of rain for the past 18 hours, certain areas and even temples remain submerged.
The severe waterlogging in Surat has prompted the police to make announcements urging local residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Children were even spotted attempting to swim on the waterlogged roads. The renowned Rokadiya Hanuman temple in Porbandar, despite being under a foot of water, continues to attract devotees who remain undeterred, bringing offerings of coconuts and flowers.
Railway operations in Porbandar have also been severely affected by the heavy rainfall. Around 300 mm of rainfall has inundated the tracks, leading to the suspension of rail services, as confirmed by Bhavnagar Railway Division DRM Ravish. He emphasized the unexpected nature of the downpour, highlighting the challenging situation.
As local authorities and residents grapple with the aftermath of the heavy rains, the situation remains precarious. Efforts are underway to mitigate further disruptions and ensure safety amid the ongoing monsoon season. According to the Meteorological Department, Surat is likely to experience heavy rainfall till Sunday, July 28. The minimum temperature in Surat was recorded at 26°C (degrees Celsius), and the maximum temperature is expected to reach 27°C (degrees Celsius) on Monday, July 22.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of extremely heavy rainfall very likely over Gujarat, Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra during July 22-24 and West Madhya Pradesh on July 22. Further, heavy rainfall is very likely over East Madhya Pradesh during July 22-24, over Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Coastal Karnataka on July 22, over Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Gujarat State on July 25 and 26, over West Madhya Pradesh and Odisha on July 23 and 24, the IMD warned.
