Ahmedabad, Aug 29 (IANS) – Heavy rains lashed wide parts of Gujarat over the past 24 hours, with as many as 148 talukas recording showers. Umarpada in Surat district received the highest rainfall at 7.5 inches, followed by Idar in Sabarkantha with 6 inches and Meghraj in Aravalli with 5 inches, according to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC).
Several other areas also witnessed significant downpour — Dehgam in Gandhinagar recorded 4 inches, Kwant in Chhota Udepur 3.5 inches, while Devgadhbaria (Dahod), Vyara (Tapi), and Jetpur Pavi (Chhota Udepur) each registered about 3 inches.
In total, 20 talukas reported 2–2.5 inches of rainfall, 30 talukas between 1–2.5 inches, and 41 talukas, including Dediapada (Narmada), Uchhal (Tapi), Shehra (Panchmahal), Subir-Ahwa (Dang), Vijaynagar (Sabarkantha), Mandvi (Surat), Dolvan (Tapi) and Vaso (Kheda), received more than an inch. Another 91 talukas recorded less than one inch.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rain with thunderstorms in parts of Gujarat until September 3.
This year, Gujarat has seen above-normal rainfall, with heavy and intermittent spells since June. While South Gujarat and Saurashtra have experienced some of the heaviest showers, including cloudburst-like events, North and Central Gujarat have received moderate to heavy rainfall in phases.
SEOC data show most districts have already crossed 70–80% of their seasonal averages by late August, with some talukas exceeding their annual quota due to back-to-back heavy spells. The rains have replenished reservoirs and eased agricultural concerns, though localised flooding has been reported in low-lying areas.
