The South-West monsoon has gained momentum over Gujarat, with widespread rains being reported from most parts of the state. The southern districts have received heavy showers over the past few days, causing flooding.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, in the past 24 hours Umergam taluka of Valsad district has received the maximum rainfall of 236 millimeters (mm). So far, as on the morning of July 8, 2019, the overall average rainfall in the state was reported at 191 mm, which is about 23 per cent of the long-period average of 816 mm for the state.
The South Gujarat region has received the maximum, about 29 per cent of the region's long-period average rainfall, with Valsad district receiving over 42 per cent of the district's average rain.
Following heavy rains in Valsad district, six of the sluice gates on the Madhuban dam have been opened, releasing water into the Daman Ganga river. This has caused heavy flooding in the river.
The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river has also received heavy water inflows due to rains in the upper catchment areas in Madhya Pradesh. The water level at the dam site at Kevadia has reached 121.02 meters of the total height of the dam of 138.68 meters.
Rains in Saurashtra are still below 20 per cent of the season's average for the region, while the Kutch region still lacks good rains. The district has received merely 6 per cent of its normal rains so far.
Rains in the North Gujarat and Central Gujarat regions are progressing moderately, with the regions receiving around 20 per cent of their normal rain till the first week of July.
All the 251 talukas in the state have received rain, the state government statement said.
The Met department has predicted more rain in the state over the next five days. A warning for heavy to very heavy rain, with isolated extremely heavy falls in some districts of South Gujarat region and Saurashtra, has been issued.
Till last week, sowing in the state was reported at 28.24 lakh hectares or 33.32 per cent of the normal sowing for the state.