Heavy rains continue to create havoc across various states in India. Amid the chaos, the India Meteorological Department has issued heavy rain warning in several states. Gujarat has already received 51% of its average annual rainfall within a month after the onset of monsoon.
Flood situations remained grim in South Gujarat as heavy rain continued to pound Navsari and other districts. While Ahmedabad- Mumbai highway was closed for traffic due to severe water-logging near Chikhli. Purna and Ambika rivers were flowing above danger level due to heavy rains, leaving most areas of Navsari and Bilimora towns in knee-deep waters.
In Ahmedabad, two women labourers and a 16-year-old girl died after the boundary wall of a farm house collapsed on their temporary shed. Rescue operations were mounted by various agencies including NDRF, SDRF and fire brigade in Navsari, Tapi and Vadodara. However, red alert has been issued in eight districts in wake of extremely heavy rains. The stretch of national highway-48 between Bharuch and Vapi was badly damaged; while that between Chilkhi and Valsad was flooded, forcing the authorities to halt the traffic movement. Although, 14 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents as rain continues in districts of Saurashtra and South Gujarat. The state government said that five districts are still on high alert and about 31,000 people have been evacuated.
In Maharashtra, floods in parts of Wardha district remains grim as the region witnessed non-stop rainfall with overflowing dams. Rescue operation continues as normal life is being affected. The IMD issued orange alert (heavy to very heavy rainfall) for Gadchiroli, Akola and Amravati districts and yellow alert in Raigad and Ratnagiri.
Himachal Pradesh's Kangra has stopped adventure sports activities in the wake of rains in the district. Vinay Dhiman, district tourism officer said "Adventure sports activities have been stopped from July 15. Paragliding is the main activity here including seven other sports-related activities”. In Uttarakhand, IMD issued red alert in several parts of state.
Heavy rain occurred in a few districts of Telangana. In Rajasthan heavy showers were recorded in various districts of the state since Monday with Bhungra in Banswara recording the highest 203 mm rains.
