Heavy rains in Dwarka, Junagadh on Tuesday; 12 hours rainfall data from across Gujarat

Gandhinagar: Gujarat witnessed widespread rainfall on Tuesday, with Devbhumi Dwarka and Junagadh districts recording the highest showers during the 12-hour period from 6 am to 6 pm, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).

In the latest development, the sea off Amreli turned rough due to heavy rains and strong winds, leading to the sinking of two fishing boats, Jay Shri from Jafrabad and Murlidhar from Rajpara in Gir Somnath, about 18 nautical miles from the Jafrabad coast. Both boats had nine fishermen each on board. While 10 fishermen have been rescued safely, search operations are underway for the remaining eight. However, bad weather conditions in the mid-sea have made it difficult to deploy helicopters for rescue efforts.

Dwarka taluka in Devbhumi Dwarka district topped the chart with 138 mm (5.43 inches) of rainfall, followed by Kalyanpur with 129 mm (5.08 inches). In Junagadh district, Mangrol received 95 mm (3.74 inches), while Maliya Hatina recorded 42 mm (1.65 inches).

Valsad district also saw intense showers, with Umbergaon receiving 67 mm (2.64 inches) and Vapi 29 mm (1.14 inches). In Kutch, Mandvi and Nakhatrana registered 50 mm (1.97 inches) and 32 mm (1.26 inches) respectively. Jamjodhpur in Jamnagar recorded 41 mm (1.61 inches).

Other notable rainfall figures include Bagasara in Amreli (29 mm), Vyara in Tapi (21 mm), Khambha in Amreli (21 mm), Una in Gir Somnath (23 mm), and Kaprada in Valsad (18 mm).

Several parts of South Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch received moderate showers, while central and north Gujarat recorded light to very light rainfall. During the 12-hour period, a total of 83 talukas—including Surat city, Bharuch, Navsari, Patan, and Banaskantha—witnessed rainfall.

According to the IMD, heavy rainfall activity is expected to continue in parts of Saurashtra, Kutch, and South Gujarat in the coming days, keeping reservoirs and river levels under close watch.

Local reports said that in Lakhpat, heavy rainfall led to waterlogging in markets. In the Gir region, upstream rains caused the Lachhadi dam to overflow, prompting authorities to issue alerts in low-lying villages. Residents of Pipalwa, Achhidra, Daderi, Chapri, and nearby areas have been cautioned against venturing into riverbeds.

In Nagadiya village of Gir Gadhada, the Shahi river overflowed following heavy upstream rains.

In Kalyanpur taluka, torrential downpours brought the village of Lamba to a standstill. About 1.5 inches of rainfall turned local markets into water streams, creating flood-like scenes.

In Mangrol, heavy rains kept authorities on high alert as the sea turned rough, with waves rising 5 to 6 feet high. Cautionary signal No. 3 has been hoisted along the coast. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea, and all boats have been anchored safely at the harbour. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

In Una taluka, the Machhundri dam located in the forest area began overflowing, increasing water flow into the river. Heavy rains also flooded roads in Sankhda village, though showers have now reduced in intensity. DeshGujarat