Gujarat on alert: Heavy rains lash Saurashtra and South Gujarat; CM orders evacuations, issues safety guidelines

With heavy rains lashing several parts of Gujarat, especially Saurashtra and South Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday instructed district collectors to act swiftly and ensure public safety. The focus is on evacuating people from low-lying areas, protecting lives and property, and ensuring uninterrupted food, water, and medical supplies.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the southwest monsoon has advanced into parts of Gujarat. An upper air cyclonic circulation is currently present over south Gujarat and nearby areas. This is expected to turn into a low-pressure system within the next 24 hours, and may intensify further.

From 16th to 22nd June, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in many parts of Gujarat, especially:

• Gujarat Region: Heavy rains throughout the period
• Saurashtra & Kutch: Intense rainfall expected from 16th to 19th June
• Isolated Places: Extremely heavy rainfall (more than 20 cm in 24 hours) expected on 16th and 17th June
• Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds between 30–40 kmph are also likely.

Government's Response

CM Bhupendra Patel said the state is acting in line with the IMD’s forecast.

“In line with the Meteorological Department's forecast, necessary guidelines have been issued to evacuate people to safe places with immediate effect, and to be prepared with full vigilance and foresight in matters including rapid drainage of stagnant water, power and food supply, health and life-saving medicines. Collectors have also been urged to continue instructing citizens to be careful during heavy rains and not to cross rivers, streams, or flowing water,” he said.

Warning to Fishermen

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Gujarat coast between 16th and 21st June due to rough weather conditions.