The city of Vadodara witnessed heavy rain a day ago. Heavy rainfall in Central Gujarat, especially Panchmahal, Halol, Jambughoda and Pavagadh areas resulted into heavy inflow in Ajwa dam. As per the rule, 211 ft water level must be maintained in Ajwa till 15 August. Surplus water in Ajwa was therefore released in river Vishwamitri which passes through the city of Vadodara. Heavy rain within the city in addition to discharge from Ajwa dam resulted into rising level of river Vishwamitri. The river travels outside Vadodara and merges into another river Dhadhar. How fast Vishwamitri can discharge water depends on the carrying capacity of Dhadhar. Due to heavy rains and release of water from Dev dam, Dhadhar is almost full and therere has no scope of taking the burden of Vishwamitri’s water. Therefore the level of Vishwamitri is not easing. Absence of rain since last over 16 hours is however a cause of relief for Vadodara.

Nearly 1,000 persons are shifted to safer places. The residents of low lying areas have parked their vehicles on the fly over bridges to save them from potential damages caused by flood water logging. Holiday is declared in schools and colleges today in the city and district. Vadodara had witnessed flood of Vishwamitri river in 2019, 2013 and 2014 in the recent past.