Rains lash several parts of Saurashtra, 20 checkdams filled

By Our Correspondents in Ahmedabad and Vadodara
May 19


The rain-gods smiled on the state as about 20 check-dams constructed recently in Saurashtra were filled to the brim. Rains lashed the region for the second consecutive day on Friday giving a much-needed respite to the Keshubhai Patel ministry combating a difficult drought situation. Rainfall was also reported from other parts of the state.

Meanwhile, dark clouds loomed large over Ahmedabad with three moderate spells of showers that caught the people off guard and had them scurrying for cover. Mercury dipped as the Walled City, Maninagar, Isanpur, Ambawadi, Mithakhali and other parts of the city were drenched by season’s first showers.

Vadodara too received unseasonal rains accompanied by gushes of wind and heavy showers that continued for half-an-hour for the second consecutive day on Friday. South Gujarat received maximum rains with Surat, Valsad and Bharuch receiving moderate rainfall. Rainfall was also reported from Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Rajkot and other parts of Saurashtra. The Dharampur taluka in Valsad district received 6-cm rainfall whereas Valod taluka in Surat had 4-cm rainfall.

Amreli and Jafrabad received a whopping 0.75 inches rainfall on Friday while heavy rainfall was reported from Panchmahals. Rajkot received 5-inch rainfall and water scarcity is likely to ease as all the 20 check-dams at Helenda village, near Rajkot city, were filled up.

Meteorological department has forecasted heavy rains at several places in South Gujarat and moderate to low rains in other parts of the state. Roads in Vadodara were flooded with low-lying areas facing the brunt of heavy rains. Unexpected rains resulted in power cuts in various parts of the city. On Thursday, the western part of the city received heavy showers for 45 minutes, whereas other parts remained dry.

The meteorological department has forecasted heavy rains in South Gujarat, Diu, Daman, Dadranagar Haveli areas.