Weather – IMD Issues Red Alert as Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Lash Gujarat, Kerala
Weather –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an urgent weather alert for several districts across Gujarat and Kerala after forecasting intense thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds and heavy rainfall over the next few hours. Authorities have asked residents in vulnerable areas to stay cautious and follow official safety instructions as adverse weather conditions continue.
The India Meteorological Department released a district-wise nowcast warning early on Saturday, placing multiple districts in Gujarat and Kerala under a red alert. Issued at 2:18 a.m., the warning remains valid until 5:18 a.m. and forecasts thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, wind speeds reaching nearly 60 kmph and rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour in the affected regions.
Districts Under Red Alert
In Kerala, the red warning has been announced for Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta. Meanwhile, Gujarat districts placed under the highest level of alert include Ahmedabad, Anand, Aravalli, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Botad, Gandhinagar, Kachchh, Kheda, Mehsana, Morbi, Patan, Sabarkantha, Surendranagar and Vadodara.
The weather agency has urged local administrations and residents to remain prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions that may affect transportation, power supply and daily activities.
Orange Warning Extended to More States
Apart from the red alert zones, the IMD has also issued an orange warning for several districts in Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Assam. These locations are expected to experience thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds ranging from 40 to 60 kmph and moderate rainfall between 5 mm and 15 mm per hour.
In Kerala, the orange alert covers Kannur, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kozhikode, Lakshadweep, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Wayanad. In Gujarat, the advisory applies to Amreli, Banaskantha, Chhota Udepur, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Dahod, Daman, Dangs, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Diu, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Mahisagar, Narmada, Navsari, Panchmahal, Porbandar, Rajkot, Surat, Tapi and Valsad. Nandurbar in Maharashtra, along with Cachar, Jorhat and Lakhimpur in Assam, has also been included in the orange warning.
IMD Advises Public to Remain Vigilant
The meteorological department has advised people to avoid taking shelter beneath trees, damaged buildings or other unstable structures during thunderstorms. Residents have also been encouraged to monitor road and traffic conditions before travelling, avoid unnecessary movement during severe weather and stay updated through advisories issued by local authorities and disaster management agencies.
Navsari Receives Heavy Rainfall
Navsari district in Gujarat witnessed significant rainfall, prompting the administration to step up emergency measures. District Collector Manish Gurwani said nearly seven inches of rain was recorded between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
According to the district administration, Vansda taluka received around 13 inches of rainfall, while Navsari and Khergam each recorded approximately eight inches. Rising water levels have also been reported in major rivers. The Purna River was flowing at 25.5 feet, above its danger mark of 23 feet. The Kaveri River reached 24 feet against a danger level of 19 feet, while the Ambika River stood at 26 feet, remaining below its danger level of 28 feet.
Rescue Measures and Public Safety Steps
Officials said 9,236 residents have been shifted to safer locations as a precautionary measure. Heavy rainfall has disrupted transport, resulting in the closure of 188 roads, including nine state roads and 179 panchayat roads.
Emergency response teams remain on standby, with three State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, one National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team and an Army column positioned for immediate deployment if required. As a precaution, educational institutions including schools, colleges, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Anganwadi centres in Navsari have been ordered to remain closed. Senior officials continue to monitor the evolving situation from the District Emergency Operation Center.