Banaskantha: Several parts of Gujarat received moderate to heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours ending at 6 am, with Vadgam taluka in Banaskantha district recording the highest rainfall at 8.62 inches. Additionally, during the 6 hours since 6 am today, Idar received 5.51 inches of rainfall, followed by 4.5 inches in Dhanera, both in North Gujarat. Other talukas that witnessed over 2 inches of rain this morning include Jodiya, Vadgam, Dantiwada, Bhiloda, Palanpur, Vadnagar, and Deesa.

Till 6 am today, Vadgam recorded the most rainfall, followed by Vijapur in Mehsana, which saw 6.30 inches. Palanpur and Dantiwada in Banaskantha recorded 6.14 and 6.02 inches, respectively. Valod in Tapi district received 5.63 inches, and Umarpada in Surat saw 5.31 inches.

Other talukas that witnessed rainfall ranging from 3 to 5 inches included Khedbrahma in Sabarkantha, which recorded 5.04 inches, while Mahuva (Surat) and Vadali followed with 4.37 and 4.33 inches, respectively. Subir received 4.25 inches, Vyara saw 3.35 inches, and Dolvan recorded 3.31 inches. Rainfall was also significant in Himatnagar and Kathlal, both receiving 3.15 inches, while Kapadvanj registered 3.11 inches.

Meanwhile, due to the heavy rainfall, all primary schools in Palanpur, Dantiwada, Vadgam, Dhanera, and Deesa talukas have been ordered to remain closed today.

With over 6 inches of rain in Palanpur, the Palanpur-Ahmedabad highway has become waterlogged, causing major inconvenience to locals and traders. The Gathaman Patiya area has turned into a virtual island, with flooding on the highway disrupting traffic. Vehicles traveling between Rajasthan and Ahmedabad have been caught in the congestion.

Waterlogging on the national highway has prompted traffic diversions. Vehicles traveling from Abu to Deesa were diverted via Chitrasani, while those heading from Abu to Ahmedabad were rerouted through Lalawada and Jagana.

Rainwater has entered several shops, especially in the Dairy Road area, where goods were seen floating. In Tharad, heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging, with water entering homes. Areas near the bus stand and the ST workshop have been submerged. Low-lying areas of Tharad are particularly affected. Residents across the district are facing hardships and claim that such situations recur every monsoon.

The widespread rainfall is expected to bring relief to farmers and raise hopes for improved groundwater levels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more showers in the coming days across parts of South and Central Gujarat. DeshGujarat