Orange alert in north Gujarat: Schools closed, homes flooded after 8 inches of rain in 3 hours in Vadgam

After heavy rains last week in Saurashtra and south Gujarat, the monsoon has now spread to Banaskantha and Sabarkantha in the north. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in both the districts on Thursday.

In the last 24 hours, rainfall has been recorded in 162 talukas across Gujarat, with the highest being in Vadgam (Banaskantha) at 8.6 inches. Palanpur recorded 6.1 inches, and Dantiwada saw 6.0 inches of rain.

Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a red alert and forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region. In response, local authorities have declared holidays in schools. On Wednesday, July 2, heavy downpours lashed Banaskantha, leading to flooding in many areas and waterlogging on the roads.

“Considering the current situation of heavy rainfall, it has been decided that on Thursday (July 3) all educational activities in Palanpur, Dantiwada, Vadgam, Dhanera, Amirgadh, and Deesa talukas will remain closed. Please take note of this,” wrote Collector & DM Banaskantha on X.

Flooded homes, citizens in distress

The rainfall in Vadgam (8 inches) and Palanpur (6 inches) created severe flooding. In areas behind Doctor House in Palanpur and in the Mafatpura locality, homes and shops were inundated.

Furniture and household goods were damaged, causing major losses. The elderly and children faced severe inconvenience due to water entering their homes. Continuous rainfall brought normal life to a standstill.

Rainfall in last 24 hours