Gujarat On High Alert As State Braces for Extremely Heavy Rainfall Till August 2, Schools Shut in 9 Districts

The Gujarat government has placed multiple districts on high alert ahead of the India Meteorological Department's forecast of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall between July 31 and August 2, with senior officials directed to remain on duty and disaster response teams kept on standby.

Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Dr Jayanti Ravi on Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar to assess the state's preparedness for the anticipated spell of intense rain.

The review was conducted through a video conference with collectors and senior officials from Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Bharuch, Anand, Narmada, Tapi, Dang, Chhota Udepur, Panchmahal, Dahod and Mahisagar districts.

Officials' Leave Cancelled, Control Rooms to Function Round the Clock

Dr Ravi directed that the leave of officials in the affected districts be cancelled with immediate effect to ensure uninterrupted emergency response.

She also instructed district administrations to keep 24x7 control rooms operational and deploy at least one Class-I officer for round-the-clock supervision during the forecast period.

Officials were told to ensure that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are deployed wherever required, particularly in vulnerable and low-lying areas.

She added that the Army, Navy and Air Force have also been kept on standby to assist in relief and rescue operations if the situation deteriorates.

Also Read: IMD Issues Red Alert in Ahmedabad and 7 Other States on July 31 ; Warns Thunderstorms, Lightning

With the IMD forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from July 31 to August 2, authorities have declared a holiday for schools and colleges across nine Gujarat districts—Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Navsari, Kheda, Dang, Narmada, Anand, Chhota Udepur and parts of AMC-run anganwadis. Officials have urged parents to follow only official advisories as emergency teams remain on standby.

District Collectors Empowered to Decide on School Closures

Dr Ravi said district collectors would be authorised to decide on declaring holidays for schools and anganwadi centres depending on local weather conditions.

Authorities have also been instructed to shift residents from flood-prone and low-lying areas to safer locations whenever necessary and ensure that relief shelters are equipped with food, safe drinking water and essential medical facilities.

She further directed district administrations to keep the public informed by regularly sharing updates on rainfall and relief measures through the media.

With the IMD forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from July 31 to August 2, authorities have declared a holiday for schools and colleges across nine Gujarat districts—Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Navsari, Kheda, Dang, Narmada, Anand, Chhota Udepur and parts of AMC-run anganwadis. Officials have urged parents to follow only official advisories as emergency teams remain on standby.

Citizens Urged to Avoid Unnecessary Travel

Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana said district authorities have been instructed to remove unsafe hoardings, banners and signboards to minimise risks during strong winds and heavy rain.

He also directed officials to identify and secure dilapidated buildings and other hazardous structures that could endanger public safety.

Makwana said the entire government machinery has been placed on alert mode and appealed to residents to avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary during the forecast period.