Gujarat witnessed a severe monsoon onslaught on Monday, prompting the closure of schools in several districts, including Surat, following intense rainfall and waterlogging. Authorities confirmed the decision as a precautionary measure, citing disruption in civic infrastructure and the risk to student safety.In the last 24 hours alone, 159 talukas across the state recorded light to heavy rainfall. Jodiya in Jamnagar district recorded the highest at 7.17 inches, followed by Mendarda (5.7 inches), Amirgadh (5.0 inches), and Palsana (5.6 inches), as per data released by the State Emergency Operations Centre.
Academic activity halted as urban centres reel under rain
The Surat Municipal Corporation ordered the suspension of classes across schools on Monday, as low-lying areas in the city remained submerged and traffic movement came to a halt. Similar measures are being considered in other affected districts based on local rainfall patterns and ground reports from administrative units.The education department has been placed on alert, with district collectors authorised to declare school closures in response to worsening weather conditions.
IMD predicts continued rainfall; alerts issued for multiple districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall across Gujarat, issuing an orange alert for June 24 in Amreli, Bhavnagar, Navsari, and Valsad districts. A yellow alert remains in effect for Rajkot, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bharuch, Surat, Tapi, Dang, and several other regions.On June 25, an orange alert will extend to Aravalli, Mahisagar, Dahod, Panchmahal, Chhota Udepur, Navsari, and parts of Saurashtra and South Gujarat, indicating heavy to very heavy showers. From June 26 to 28, widespread rain with thunderstorms and lightning is expected to continue across the state.
State administration on high alert; relief teams deployed
Disaster response mechanisms have been activated across the state. NDRF and SDRF teams have been strategically deployed in districts facing orange and red alerts. Round-the-clock control rooms have been set up, with local administrations instructed to ensure rapid dewatering, monitor dam levels, and facilitate evacuations if required.Departments of health, power, and water supply have been put on high operational readiness. Officials are coordinating closely to pre-empt service disruptions and mitigate risks in flood-prone areas.
