Red alert in nine districts, heavy rain forecast threatens garba revellers’ enthusiasm

Navratri festivities in Gujarat are likely to be overshadowed by fresh weather concerns, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall in parts of the state. 

A red alert has been issued for several districts in south Gujarat, with forecasts suggesting that rain might persist until 1 pm on Sunday. The warning has sparked worry among garba enthusiasts and organisers, who now face uncertainty over the celebrations.

Heavy rain is likely in Chhotaudepur, Narmada, Surat, Dangs, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, Daman, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli.

A light thunderstorm with lightning and surface wind 30-40 kmph accompanied by light to moderate rain is likely in the districts of north Gujarat, including Ahmedabad. It may also rain in Vadodara, Chhotaudepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Dang, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, Daman, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Porbandar.

Red alert in Gujarat

September 29:

Heavy to very heavy rain likely in Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

September 30:

Heavy to very heavy rain likely in Amreli, Gir Somnath and Diu.

Notably, heavy rain disrupted garba festivities in Navsari and Valsad, where pandals collapsed and waterlogging created chaos on Saturday.

In Dang district, the past 12-hour figures show: Ahwa – 4 inches, Waghai – 3 inches, Subir – 2.6 inches, and Saputara – 5.5 inches of rainfall, left the region submerged.