IMD warns Gujarat fishermen against venturing into sea from Aug 22–25

Surat: With squally weather expected, accompanied by wind speeds of 45–55 kmph gusting up to 65 kmph and high waves, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for fishermen along Gujarat’s coastal areas, advising them not to venture into the sea from August 22 to 25, 2025.

The monsoon has remained active over the state for the past week, with 212 talukas across 33 districts witnessing heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours. The highest rainfall was recorded in Pardi taluka of Valsad district at around 4 inches, followed by Dharampur taluka at around 3 inches. Additionally, more than 2 inches of rainfall were reported in Khergam (Navsari), Kaprada (Valsad), and Talod taluka (Sabarkantha), according to the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC), Gandhinagar.

As of 6:00 AM on August 22, 2025, the overall average rainfall in the state for the season stands at 681.14 mm, which is 77.24% of the normal. South Gujarat recorded the highest at 80.51%, followed by Kutch at 80.26%, Saurashtra at 77.39%, North Gujarat at 75.87%, and the lowest in East-Central Gujarat at 73.40%.

According to the SEOC, as of 8:00 AM today, the Narmada Dam—considered the lifeline of Gujarat—is 80.84% full, while 206 other reservoirs are at 75.74% of their total storage capacity. In view of the rainfall, 73 dams have been put on high alert, 35 on alert, and warnings have been issued for 16 dams.

Since the start of the monsoon season on June 1, 2025, the state administration has safely relocated 5,205 people affected by rainfall and rescued 900 others. A total of 12 NDRF teams and 20 SDRF teams are currently deployed, with an additional NDRF team and 13 SDRF teams kept in reserve at headquarters. DeshGujarat