Deluge In South Gujarat: Kaprada Battered By 397mm Rain In 24 Hours As Rivers Swell

Torrential downpours have battered South Gujarat over the last 24 hours, unleashing massive local flooding and disrupting daily life across multiple districts. Kaprada taluka in Valsad emerged as the hardest-hit area in the state, recording a staggering 397 mm of rainfall in a single day as monsoon activity surged along the coastal belt.

According to data released by the State Emergency Operation Centre for the 24-hour period ending at 6 am on 22 July, heavy precipitation was concentrated heavily across the southern districts, including Valsad, Navsari, Surat, and the Dangs, while central regions including Ahmedabad experienced relatively light showers.

Monsoon Fury Unbridled Across Valsad And Navsari

Valsad district bore the absolute brunt of the spell, accounting for the highest rainfall figures recorded anywhere in Gujarat this season. Heavy cloudburst-like conditions in Kaprada were closely followed by intense spells in Nanapondha, which logged 280 mm of rain, while Pardi and Valsad town registered 238 mm and 211 mm respectively. Industrial hubs like Vapi saw 185 mm of rainfall, with Dharampur recording 172 mm.

Neighbouring Navsari district faced similar monsoon intensity, with Chikhli recording 244 mm of rainfall. Vansada and Khergam recorded 235 mm and 201 mm respectively, leaving low-lying stretches severely inundated and causing local streams to swell rapidly.

Surat And The Dangs Face Persistent Downpours

The hilly district of Dangs also witnessed intense rainfall, led by Vaghai with 183 mm, Ahwa with 128 mm, and Subir with 105 mm. The heavy runoff from the hills has significantly pushed up water levels in downstream rivers flowing into the plains of South Gujarat.

In Surat district, persistent rain disrupted traffic movement and normal activity in urban and rural pockets alike:

• Bardoli: 137 mm
• Palsana: 119 mm
• Surat City: 108 mm
• Ambika: 107 mm
• Mahuva: 90 mm
• Olpad: 72 mm

Elsewhere in the region, Tapi’s Dolvan recorded 99 mm of rain, while Hansot in Bharuch district logged 72 mm.

Light Rainfall Keeps Central Gujarat Dry

In stark contrast to the relentless deluge soaking the southern belt, central and northern parts of the state saw significantly muted monsoon activity. Ahmedabad district recorded only minor showers during the same 24-hour window. Dhandhuka received the highest in the district at 14 mm, followed by Bavla at 8 mm, while Dholka, Dholera, and Ahmedabad city recorded a mere 3 mm each.

With weather authorities maintaining a close watch on shifting wind patterns and persistent moisture inflow from the Arabian Sea, district administrations across South Gujarat remain on high alert to handle potential waterlogging and flood risks.