Gujarat: 31% of seasonal rain received in 7 days

AHMEDABAD: On August 11, the cumulative rainfall for Gujarat was 481mm — or 58% of the seasonal rainfall. A week later on August 18, the rainfall recorded was 695mm or 83.6% of the seasonal rainfall. In a week’s time, the state received 31% of the seasonal rain.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said that with the new system forming over the Bay of Bengal, it is likely that the good streak will continue for the next 10 days if favourable conditions persist.

Jayanta Sarkar, regional director, IMD, said that if one compares this year’s monsoon with last year’s, the major difference is in the spells. “This year, June and July received comparatively lower rainfall. But from August 4, we are witnessing very favourable conditions due to which the rains are almost continuous,” he said. “Moreover, this year the condition of the reservoirs is also better.”
However, regional disparities persist. Kutch and Saurashtra have received excessive rainfall this year whereas four districts — three in the eastern belt and one in South Gujarat — have registered deficient rain. Experts are however hopeful that with more rainfall in store over the next few days, the deficiency will be wiped out.
On Tuesday, the state had a cyclonic circulation, another cyclonic circulation over northeast Madhya Pradesh, an east-west shear zone over Central India and a cyclonic circulation over the northeast Bay of Bengal that will gradually travel westwards. In August, multiple systems were formed that helped Gujarat get good rainfall, said experts.
Till 10 pm, Umarpada in Surat received maximum 127mm rainfall in a day, followed by 100mm at Anjar in Kutch, 84mm each at Bhuj in Kutch and Morbi, 81mm at Dasada in Surendranagar and 80mm at Lodhika in Rajkot. After heavy rainfall on Monday, Ahmedabad city recorded 3mm rainfall on Tuesday till 10pm. In all, 115 talukas of 251 received rainfall on Tuesday.