The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several parts of Gujarat over the coming days. On August 20, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Surat, Navsari, and Valsad are likely to be affected, while districts including Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, and Junagadh are expected to witness similar conditions on August 21. Showers ranging from moderate to heavy intensity have been forecast across most of the state until August 25.
Relief measures and preparedness
A meeting of the Weather Watch Group was held at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar, chaired by the Relief Commissioner. IMD officials presented a detailed outlook on the rainfall situation.
To tackle possible emergencies, 12 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 20 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units have been deployed across districts, with one NDRF team on standby. An additional SDRF contingent has also been sent to the Tarnetar Fair in Surendranagar.
The irrigation department reported that out of Gujarat&rsquo;s 206 reservoirs, 61 are at high alert, 27 are on alert, and 21 are at the warning stage. Information was also shared about the water storage levels in the Sardar Sarovar reservoir.
The Relief Commissioner directed nodal officers from all departments to remain fully prepared for severe weather. The meeting was attended by senior representatives from the Gujarat Water Supply Board, Gujarat Maritime Board, Central Water Commission, ISRO, GSRTC, Agriculture, Health, Roads and Buildings, Energy, the Indian Army, Panchayat, Urban Development, and Animal Husbandry departments.
Torrential rainfall across districts 
Several districts experienced intense downpours on Wednesday morning, with Junagadh reporting the highest rainfall. According to the district collector, Mendarda taluka received 314 mm (12.36 inches) of rainfall, which led to the closure of more than 18 roads and suspension of multiple state transport bus services.
Between 6 am and 10 am alone, Mendarda recorded 250 mm (9.84 inches), the highest in Gujarat during that period. It was followed by Vanthali with 135 mm (5.31 inches) and Keshod with 122 mm (4.8 inches).
The collector confirmed that schools and institutions in affected areas were ordered shut, while 35 villages in Manavdar and Vanthali remain cut off. One fatality was reported after a lightning strike.
Other heavy rainfall figures included Mahuva in Bhavnagar at 121 mm (4.76 inches), Talala in Gir Somnath at 103 mm (4.06 inches), Rajula in Amreli at 85 mm (3.35 inches), Sutrapada in Gir Somnath at 71 mm (2.8 inches), Gir Gadhada at 67 mm (2.64 inches), Mangrol in Junagadh at 65 mm (2.56 inches) and Maliya Hatina at 65 mm (2.56 inches).
Porbandar recorded 64 mm (2.52 inches), while Junagadh city and Kamrej in Surat both reported 50 mm (1.97 inches). Kaprada in Valsad registered 45 mm (1.77 inches). Districts in the north, including Dang, Navsari, and Tapi, received light showers of less than 5 mm in several talukas.
Coastal belts under watch 
Official data released on Wednesday showed Devbhumi Dwarka&rsquo;s Kalyanpur taluka receiving the highest rainfall in the 24 hours ending Wednesday morning, with 273 mm (10.75 inches).
Dwarka taluka followed with 153 mm (6.02 inches), while Porbandar reported 100 mm (3.94 inches). Other significant measurements included Mangrol in Junagadh at 95 mm, Sutrapada in Gir Somnath at 85 mm, Jafrabad in Amreli at 78 mm, Umbergaon in Valsad at 74 mm, and Una in Gir Somnath at 74 mm. Moderate showers ranging from 50 mm to 70 mm were reported in Kodinar, Veraval, Ranavav, and Mandvi in Kutch.
Urban centres such as Surat, Mahesana, and Mahuva in Bhavnagar each logged 39 mm. Light showers between 2 mm and 5 mm were also reported in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bharuch, and Narmada districts.
Officials have warned that continuous heavy rain in Dwarka, Porbandar, and Junagadh could trigger flooding and waterlogging, especially in low-lying coastal areas.
The IMD has stated that rainfall activity will continue over the next 48 hours, with coastal and southern districts most likely to experience heavy showers.

61 reservoirs on high alert as Gujarat faces heavy rains and flooding risk

Gujarat Lashed by Heavy Rain, More Ahead

61 reservoirs on high alert as Gujarat faces heavy rains and flooding risk

August 20, 2025 | 14:50 IST