Ahmedabad Drenched: City Submerged by Monsoon's First Fury

Ahmedabad experienced its first heavy monsoon rain on Thursday, resulting in widespread waterlogging and significant disruptions across the city. The downpour caused traffic chaos, shut down 18 Bus Rapid Transit System stations, and led to the closure of educational institutions. Fire teams conducted numerous rescue operations, saving at least 50 people trapped in vehicles, lifts, and school buses. Several areas, particularly on either side of the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway, were severely affected, with some locations reporting over 12 inches of rain. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation received 102 complaints regarding waterlogging, with 43 housing societies inundated, predominantly in the southwest zone. The city commissioner noted that areas with less land gradient experienced slower water recession. Eight underpasses were closed to traffic, with two remaining shut by evening. The Chief Minister also faced travel delays due to the flooded SG Highway. In response to the persistent rainfall and subsequent flooding, all schools and colleges in Ahmedabad have been announced to be closed on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for heavy to exceptionally heavy rainfall in various districts of Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, for July 23rd and 24th. Fifty-eight incidents of tree-felling and five wall collapses were also reported. The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services responded to 81 calls, many related to waterlogging and rescues.