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‘Not Going Anywhere’: Bengaluru Startup Founder Claps Back at Flooding Criticism

October 23, 2024, 5:31 pm

Bengaluru-based startup investor Ritesh Banglani faced significant backlash on social media after commenting on the city’s flooded roads following heavy rainfall. In a post shared on X, Banglani, co-founder of Stellaris Venture Partners, remarked, “I’m in a traffic jam in the middle of a frigging river. But hey, at least the signboards are in Kannada,” accompanied by a photo of the flooded streets.

His comment drew ire from several users who criticized him for bringing up the ongoing language debate in the context of Bengaluru’s inadequate infrastructure. One user, Abhishek, remarked, “Priorities bro, priorities. Instead of protesting for the poor infra, some people here were protesting for the language.” Another user, Megha, suggested that he should return to his home state, accusing him of complaining while benefiting from the city’s situation.

In response to the criticism, Banglani defended himself, asserting his rights as a resident of Bengaluru. He emphasized, “I’m as Bangalorean as you, and have as much right to the city as you do, including the right to criticize the administration. I’m not going anywhere because this is my home as much as it’s yours.”

Hurricane Helene: 64 Killed, Power Grid Crashes, Know The Full Situation

September 29, 2024, 9:41 am

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall late Thursday in Florida’s Big Bend region with winds reaching 140 mph, leaving a trail of devastation and loss across the southeastern U.S. The storm, one of the most powerful to hit the region in recent years, has caused widespread destruction, displaced thousands, and left at least 64 people dead. Millions remain without power, with extensive recovery efforts underway.

Janalea England, a Steinhatchee resident, described the heartbreaking situation as she turned her fish market into a donation hub for neighbors who lost everything. “I’ve never seen so many people homeless as what I have right now,” she said, reflecting on the overwhelming impact on her community.

Widespread Damage Across Multiple States

After slamming into Florida, Helene moved rapidly through Georgia, where Governor Brian Kemp noted, “It looks like a bomb went off,” following an aerial survey of the damage. The storm then weakened but continued to cause torrential rains and widespread flooding across the Carolinas and Tennessee, cutting off entire areas. Western North Carolina faced landslides and road closures, isolating the region, and prompting dramatic water rescues.

One of the most striking rescues took place in East Tennessee, where patients and staff from a rural hospital were evacuated by helicopter from a rooftop. In Asheville, North Carolina, flooding devastated parts of the city, and local officials expressed concerns over communication issues caused by downed cell towers. Residents, like Mario Moraga, are still dealing with the damage: “There’s no cell service here. There’s no electricity,” he shared.

Federal Response and Catastrophic Flooding

President Joe Biden called the devastation “overwhelming” and pledged federal assistance for recovery efforts, approving a disaster declaration for North Carolina. The storm caused record-breaking floods across the region, with some areas, such as Spruce Pine, receiving more than 2 feet of rain in just a few days. In Atlanta, the city recorded 11.12 inches of rain in 48 hours—the most in over a century.

Helene’s toll is staggering, particularly in South Carolina, where 25 deaths have been confirmed, making it the deadliest storm since Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The total economic impact is expected to be immense, with Moody’s Analytics estimating between $15 billion to $26 billion in property damage, while AccuWeather suggests total damage could reach up to $110 billion.

Evacuations and Long-Term Recovery

Thousands of residents evacuated before the storm hit, with further rescues taking place as floodwaters overtopped dams, including one in North Carolina featured in the movie “Dirty Dancing.” Helicopters and boats have been essential in evacuating people trapped in flooded homes. In Newport, Tennessee, resident Jonah Wark described the terrifying experience of waiting too long to evacuate before being rescued by boat.

Florida’s Gulf Coast was particularly hard-hit, with nine people drowning in their homes in mandatory evacuation zones. Governor Ron DeSantis acknowledged the grim reality of the situation, saying, “If you had told me there was going to be 15 feet to 18 feet of storm surge… I would have assumed we would have had multiple fatalities.”

Resilience and Hope Amid Devastation

Despite the widespread destruction, many residents are stepping up to help one another. In Perry, Florida, cars lined up at a free food distribution site early Saturday, as thousands remain without power or basic supplies. “We’re making it one day at a time,” said Sierra Land, who arrived with her children and grandmother after losing everything in the storm.

As the cleanup begins, many fear that climate change is making storms like Helene more frequent and destructive. With warmer ocean temperatures, hurricanes are intensifying more quickly, posing greater risks to coastal communities. Helene, the eighth named storm of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, is a stark reminder of the increasing power of such natural disasters.

As recovery efforts continue, the full scale of the devastation is still being assessed. Utility crews are working tirelessly to restore power to millions of homes and businesses, while search-and-rescue teams from 19 states and federal agencies work to provide aid to affected communities.

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene will take months, if not years, to fully recover from, but the resilience of communities across the Southeast offers hope in the face of such overwhelming challenges.

Hurricane Helene: Over 50 Airlifted From Flooded Tennessee Hospital In Heroic Rescue

September 28, 2024, 11:55 am

More than 50 hospital patients and staff were rescued in a dramatic airlift operation on Friday afternoon after flash flooding, triggered by Hurricane Helene, overwhelmed Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, Tennessee. The rapid response involved the state emergency agency and the National Guard, as floodwaters from the Nolichucky River rose swiftly, creating a dire situation.

Ballad Health, which manages Unicoi County Hospital, received notice to evacuate just after 9:30 a.m. due to the fast-rising floodwaters. While ambulances were initially dispatched to transport the hospital’s 11 patients, flooding escalated too quickly, making roads impassable for emergency vehicles. Boats were deployed as a secondary option but were soon unable to safely navigate the dangerous floodwaters, which had begun intruding into the hospital itself.

With helicopters grounded due to high winds, 54 people, including patients and hospital staff, were left stranded on the roof, awaiting rescue. Seven others managed to reach boats but could not leave the vicinity due to the severe flooding. Local authorities described the scene as “extremely dangerous,” with rapidly rising water engulfing the hospital building.

By early afternoon, weather conditions improved enough for helicopters to arrive and begin the rescue operation. At 2:36 p.m., US Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger announced that helicopters had reached the hospital. By 4:17 p.m., Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty confirmed that all stranded individuals had been safely evacuated.

Although no injuries were reported, several patrol cars and ambulances were lost to the floodwaters. Local authorities and hospital officials have asked the public to continue praying for those affected by the flooding and for the safety of emergency responders. Photos shared on social media showed hospital employees and patients awaiting rescue on the roof, surrounded by the floodwaters.

With more severe weather expected to impact East Tennessee, officials are urging residents to stay alert and prioritize their safety.

Heavy Rains Hit Gurugram, Causing Flooding and Traffic Jams

August 11, 2024, 6:43 pm

Heavy rainfall struck Gurugram on Sunday, resulting in extensive waterlogging and traffic disruptions across the city. Major areas, including the Gurugram-Delhi Expressway and several subways, were heavily affected, leading to significant commuter delays.

By 8:30 a.m., the district administration reported 53 mm of rainfall, with some areas receiving over 80 mm. This caused water to accumulate on roads and in multiple sectors.

Visuals from the IFFCO Chowk area showed vehicles struggling through the flooded streets, and severe waterlogging was also observed in Sector 5. Subways and underpasses were closed to non-motorized transport and pedestrians, forcing residents to stay indoors and alter their weekend plans.

The heavy rains also impacted Ambala city, with predictions of moderate to heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, across Haryana. The IMD forecasts isolated heavy rainfall in Haryana until August 14 and widespread rain in several northern states through August 16.

Airport or Water-Port?: Viral Video Shows Pilot Entering Jaipur Airport on Luggage Trolley Amid Flooding – WATCH

August 1, 2024, 7:03 pm

Jaipur experienced heavy rainfall on Thursday, resulting in widespread waterlogging that brought the city to a standstill. Among the affected areas was the Jaipur International Airport (JIA), where severe flooding stranded many individuals. A video capturing a pilot’s unique attempt to enter the waterlogged airport went viral on social media. The clip shows the pilot navigating the flooded entrance on a trolley, assisted by an airport staff member.

In the video, shared by X user Veena Jain, the pilot can be seen struggling to cross the submerged airport entrance. To avoid wading through the water, he climbs onto a luggage trolley, which an airport staff member pushes through the flooded path. The video humorously captions, “This is Jaipur Adani Airport. Here pilots fly even before boarding a flight… trolley itself is enough to fly.”

#waterlogging

This is Jaipur Adani Airport ✈️

Here Pilots fly even before boarding a flight… Trolley itself is enough to fly ?#CloudBurst #DelhiRains #Delhi #Modi pic.twitter.com/J5LMkt6PKl

— Veena Jain (@DrJain21) August 1, 2024

Since its posting on August 1, the video has garnered over 7,000 views and numerous likes and comments. The situation has drawn reactions from many viewers, highlighting the inadequate drainage infrastructure that led to the flooding.

One commenter expressed frustration, noting, “Everywhere there is the problem of proper drainage resulting in water logging. It’s really a shame.” Another user, Pratik Kumar Mishra, humorously remarked, “Wow, what an entrance! I’m curious how the average traveller will get into the airport—maybe they’ll need a boat, or is it an air+water port now?” Other reactions included criticisms and sarcastic remarks, with some using crying emoticons to convey their disappointment and frustration.

The incident at Jaipur International Airport underscores the significant impact of the heavy rainfall on the city’s infrastructure and the challenges faced by residents and travelers during such events.

Viral Video: Institute Of Town Planners In Delhi Submerged After Rain

August 1, 2024, 2:48 pm

Social media users are abuzz with reactions to a viral video showing water being pumped out of the Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) building in Delhi. Located in central Delhi, the ITPI focuses on the economic, scientific, and artistic development of towns, cities, and rural areas in India.

Following heavy rainfall on Wednesday, many parts of Delhi, including the ITPI building, experienced significant flooding. The sight of water being pumped out of a building dedicated to town planning did not go unnoticed on social media, where it was met with a mix of irony and amusement.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

#WATCH | Delhi | Water is being pumped out as it enters the building of the Institute of Town Planners India. Delhi received heavy rainfall and the national capital is witnessing waterlogging issues at several places. pic.twitter.com/A1k38YKvLm

— ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2024

News agency ANI shared a clip, now viral, depicting people standing in ankle-deep water inside the ITPI building. A security guard is seen using a hose to pump out the water. “Delhi | Water is being pumped out as it enters the building of the Institute of Town Planners India. Delhi received heavy rainfall and the national capital is witnessing waterlogging issues at several places,” read the caption of the video, which has garnered nearly 2.4 million views in just a few hours.

The irony of a planning institute being flooded sparked much amusement on X (formerly known as Twitter). Users quickly pointed out the irony, with Sayantan Ghosh commenting, “How will speculative fiction ever compete with reality in this country?”

Another user remarked, “Town planners! They can’t even plan their own building; how will they build the infrastructure?” Another added, “Even the office of Town Planners is affected by flooding. Imagine what will happen to other offices?”

One user summed up the sentiment with a laughing emoji, “Institute of town planners, pretty ironic ehh.”

The video has turned into a source of humor and critique, highlighting the challenges and ironies faced by urban planners in Delhi during extreme weather conditions.

Delhi Coaching Center Deaths: MCD Admits Failure, Meets Protesting Students

July 31, 2024, 4:49 pm

Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) authorities met with a group of students on Wednesday who have been on a hunger strike since Saturday, July 27, to protest the deaths of three UPSC aspirants in a flooded coaching center basement in Old Rajinder Nagar, Central Delhi.

MCD Additional Commissioner Tariq Thomas acknowledged the incident as a “failure” of the civic body, taking personal responsibility. He admitted that officials should have acted more effectively, stating, “This should not have happened. We should have done our duty better; there is no excuse.”

A delegation of students was transported to the MCD commissioner’s office for the meeting in a police bus. The protesting students have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met.

On Tuesday, students and representatives from 15 coaching institutions met Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. According to a student present, they demanded Rs 3 crore in compensation for the deceased students’ families. While the coaching center has not specified the amount, it has agreed to provide compensation.

The student added, “Coaching institute representatives requested a bridge between the institute and students for compensation distribution. The LG assured the formation of a committee including student representatives, coaching institute representatives, and government officials to inspect building norms compliance.”

In response to the incident, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices on Tuesday to the Delhi Chief Secretary, Police Commissioner, and MCD Commissioner, demanding a detailed report within two weeks. The NHRC also ordered a survey to identify coaching centers violating norms and to hold negligent officials accountable.

Video: Rau’s IAS Faculty’s Reaction To Flooding During Live Class

July 29, 2024, 11:16 am

In a tragic incident at Rau’s IAS coaching centre in Delhi’s Old Rajendra Nagar, three UPSC civil services aspirants lost their lives due to rain-induced flooding. The victims, Tanya Soni, Nevin Dalvin, and Shreya Yadav, were trapped in the basement library of the coaching centre during a sudden downpour on Saturday.

This Video has been Removed from the Playlist of their YouTube Channel
We All Know Why!!!! pic.twitter.com/nYAPfaBw9j

— tweetsforupsc (@factsforupsc) July 28, 2024

A video circulating on social media reveals a faculty member at Rau’s IAS initially downplaying the severity of the situation during a live class. In the footage, the instructor is informed about the flooding and the issues it caused, such as blocked sewer lines and broken gates. Despite this, the faculty member chose to continue the lecture, stating, “The sewer line is blocked, roads are jammed, and the gate is broken. I’ve been informed to end the class early; otherwise, we won’t be able to reach home. So, what to do? Let’s continue with the lecture and see what happens.” He eventually ended the class midway, which had started at 6 pm.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Video ?️ pic.twitter.com/Roo9EDd2Fr

— ????? ????? (@vipinyadavin) July 28, 2024

The coaching centre has since removed the video from its YouTube channel. Rau’s IAS issued a statement expressing deep condolences and confirming full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. “Our thoughts are profoundly with the families during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.

The Delhi Police have arrested the owner and the coordinator of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, charging them with culpable homicide and other offenses. Authorities cited inadequate drainage systems, lack of safety measures, and non-compliance with norms as contributing factors to the tragedy.

Atul Garg, Director of Delhi Fire Services, reported that emergency services received a call around 7:10 pm about the flooding and students trapped in the basement. Firefighters faced challenges as rainwater continued to flow into the basement, initially increasing the water level to 12 feet. Once the flow subsided, they managed to lower the water level to 8 feet and recover the bodies of the deceased students.

This incident has sparked concerns about safety protocols and emergency preparedness in educational institutions. The investigation continues as the authorities seek to determine the full extent of the negligence involved.

Delhi: 3 Students Killed In Flooding In Coaching Center, BJP Blames AAP

July 28, 2024, 7:30 am

In a heart-wrenching incident, three aspiring civil servants lost their lives after being trapped in a flooded basement of a coaching center in Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, on Saturday. The Delhi Fire Department received an emergency call regarding waterlogging at the Rao IAS Study Centre around 7 pm, prompting a swift rescue operation. A criminal case has been registered by the police in response to the tragic deaths.

Rescue Efforts and Casualties

Initially, rescuers recovered the body of a female student from the site. Hours later, the bodies of two other students were also found. Authorities reported that approximately 30 students were present in the coaching center when it began to flood. While 13 to 14 of them were rescued and taken to the hospital, others managed to escape the site.

Fire Officer Atul Garg stated that five fire vehicles arrived at the location after receiving the flooding alert. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) M. Harshavardhan confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing and that around seven feet of water remained in the basement. He mentioned that the operation was nearing completion, with only one final round of search pending.

Student Protest and Municipal Corporation Response

Following the recovery of the bodies, a group of students staged a protest against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) at the site. One student highlighted the recurring issue of waterlogging at the center, claiming that “80 percent of libraries are in the basements of the coaching center… MCD has not taken action on this.”

The police urged students to refrain from protesting, as it could impede the rescue efforts. DCP Harshavardhan appealed to the student community, saying, “We share their pain, but coming here to the spot is not the solution. It will hamper the rescue services.”

Legal Action and Political Reactions

The Delhi police have registered a criminal case and detained two individuals in connection with the incident. DCP Harshavardhan emphasized the commitment to a thorough investigation, stating, “We are committed to registering a strong case and finding out the truth.”

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP government, calling for an inquiry into alleged corruption within the MCD. “There should be an inquiry as to why the drainage was not cleaned. Will they order an inquiry into this?” he questioned.

BJP leader Shehzad Poonwalla also condemned the Kejriwal-led administration, labeling the incident as “criminal negligence.” In a video message, he accused the AAP of prioritizing press conferences and blame games over the lives of Delhi residents.

Meanwhile, Delhi minister Atishi assured that those responsible would “not be spared.” She announced that a magistrate has been appointed to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident, stating, “I am taking updates on the incident every minute.”

This tragic event has sparked outrage and calls for accountability as Delhi grapples with the consequences of inadequate infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

Rain Causes Landslides and Flooding In 4 States

July 26, 2024, 5:08 pm

Heavy rains prompted landslides and flash floods in four states on Thursday, disrupting daily life and prompting officials to send in the army and disaster response forces to rescue hundreds of stranded people as the number of rain-related events rose.

The incessant rainfall also had an impact on infrastructure in Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand, inundating houses, blocking key highways, damaging structures, and causing waterlogging on arterial roads, with the weather department warning of more rain, according to people familiar with the situation.

The Pune district, which had 109mm of rainfall in 24 hours compared to the average of 10.4mm for this period, reported at least four deaths as storms overwhelmed low-lying residential complexes and prompted landslides in the Western Ghats.

“As of now, four deaths have been reported, of which three were due to electrocution and one due to a landslide. In addition, three people are reported to be trapped in Lavasa city after a mudslide. Our teams are deployed there, and rescue operations are going on,’’ said District Collector Suhas Diwse.

Residents in the district said that civic apathy exacerbated the problem and resulted in flood of their areas. “A bridge is being built in the area, and debris is left unattended.” As a result, water altered its flow and reached our neighborhood,” claimed Amit Deshmukh, a resident.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assessed the rescue activities in Pune and promised residents that the government will provide aid.

“Keeping a tab on the heavy rainfall situation in and around Pune… Also instructed the officials to provide all assistance to the citizens. We are monitoring the entire situation and I would like to assure everyone that the state govt is working around the clock to provide help in all aspects,” Ajit Pawar said wrote on X. He further stated that army troops, in addition to National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, had been sent to assist with the rescue efforts.

“Additional Army columns have also been kept on standby, prepared to be deployed at short notice as the situation develops. Southern Command of the Indian Army is closely monitoring the situation in close coordination with the civil administration and other government agencies,” stated the army in a statement.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a’red alert’—the most severe—for the next 24 hours, resulting in the closure of schools and institutions in Pune on Friday.

Heavy rainfall also caused major waterlogging in Mumbai and disrupted aviation operations, causing numerous flights to be cancelled and diverted.

Raigad and Palghar districts in Maharashtra were also on high alert as many rivers, including Kundalika, rose over the danger line, interrupting communication networks, authorities said, adding that one person died in Alibag city.

Chief minister Eknath Shinde stated “I also spoke with Army and Navy officials, and they have kept their units ready for any situation. We have prepared to airlift the people during the rescue operations. I have ordered the district administration in flood-affected areas to use funds from district planning and development funds,” he said.

Torrential Rains In Chongqing Trigger Deadly Mudslides And Floods

July 11, 2024, 6:47 pm

Torrential rain in the megacity of Chongqing in southwestern China has caused mudslides and flooding, resulting in at least six fatalities and widespread disruption, according to Chinese state media.

Extreme rainfall has impacted southern, central, and eastern parts of China, marking an early start to the flood season. Since Wednesday, Chongqing, a city with a population exceeding 32 million, has been inundated with heavy rains, surpassing even the rainfall in the capital, Beijing.

State broadcaster CCTV reported that two individuals drowned, while four others perished due to landslides and other flood-related incidents. Floodwaters in some areas rose as high as two meters. A meteorological station in Dianjiang County, within Chongqing, recorded 254.6 millimeters (10.02 inches) of rainfall from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday, the highest daily precipitation ever recorded in the county.

The severe flooding has raised questions about the effectiveness of China’s “sponge city” initiative, launched in 2015 to enhance flood resilience in major cities and optimize rainwater usage through various architectural, engineering, and infrastructural improvements.

A video posted by CCTV depicted floodwaters gushing down roads, submerging residential areas, and rescuers assisting residents in chest-high waters. The deluge also disrupted transportation, with Chongqing’s railway station suspending 26 passenger lines on Thursday.

China’s weather bureau recently indicated that the country faces more frequent and unpredictable heavy rainfall due to climate change, further challenging its ability to manage extreme weather events. Government departments have allocated 4.17 billion yuan ($573.49 million) for disaster relief this year, according to a Reuters tally.

Last month, China’s top legislature passed a revised law aimed at improving the effectiveness of emergency prevention and response efforts, underscoring the nation’s commitment to bolstering its disaster management capabilities.

Newly-Built Road Collapses As Canal Floods Fields In Uttar Pradesh, Video Goes Viral

July 8, 2024, 11:58 am

With the arrival of the monsoon season, heavy rains have inundated several districts in Uttar Pradesh, leading to waterlogged roads and flooding. A recent incident in Muzaffarnagar district has drawn significant online attention. A newly constructed road caved in due to overflowing canal water, as captured in a viral video.

The video starts with a man recording the road, with three other men visible in the background. Suddenly, the road collapses, forming a massive sinkhole, followed by a strong canal water flow that splits the road in two. A voice in the video urgently warns, “Bhai shaab! Picche hatt jao (Oh brother! Stay away).”

सड़क धंसने का ये Live Video उत्तर प्रदेश के जिला मुजफ्फरनगर का है। नहर का पानी खेतों में भर गया है। किसानों की काफी फसल बरबाद हो गई है। pic.twitter.com/r0RGzL2aWA

— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) July 6, 2024

Journalist Sachin Gupta shared the video, noting, “This live video of the road collapse is from Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. The canal water has filled the fields. A lot of crops of the farmers have been destroyed.”

Shared on July 6, the video has garnered over 1,07,000 views. Many social media users criticized the authorities for endangering villagers’ lives. One user commented, “The reason behind this flooding is that after independence, no arrangement for drainage of rain water has been made by any government.

On the contrary, the system of rain water drainage from the British rule has been destroyed. Sometimes it is by encroachment by people and sometimes by unplanned government construction.” Another user remarked, “A unique example has been set by building a canal in the middle of the road.”

One user sarcastically added, “This contractor should be awarded. He has not laid the pipe under the road. He has just made it like that.”

In other related news, 15 engineers were suspended in Bihar after 12 bridges collapsed due to heavy rain across various districts.

Gujarat Faces Severe Disruptions Due To Heavy Rainfall And Flooding

July 2, 2024, 10:26 am

Gujarat is facing heavy rainfall, resulting in severe disruptions and damage throughout the state. Valsad has been particularly affected, with severe flooding leading to the closure of two major underpasses after the city received 3.45 inches of rain within two hours on Tuesday morning. Barricades have been set up by the police to block access to the inundated underpasses, and waterlogging has impacted the service road of National Highway 48 in the city.

In Junagadh district, heavy rain has caused significant disruptions, closing numerous roads, including two national highways, on Monday. Authorities have reported the closure of three state highways, six major district connecting roads, and 40 panchayat roads due to flooding. JP Zala, Junagadh’s deputy collector, stated, “Three state highways in Junagadh have been closed. Once the water level goes down, the situation will be under control. In low-lying areas, we have issued alerts and closed waterlogged roads.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted very heavy rains for parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra on July 2, while heavy rain is expected to impact various areas of north Gujarat, central Gujarat, and the Saurashtra region. For July 3, the IMD predicts very heavy rain in “Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, and Dadra Nagar Haveli.” The persistent wet weather in Gujarat is due to two cyclonic circulations affecting the northern and southern parts of the state, according to the IMD.

A ‘red alert’ has been issued for several districts, indicating extremely heavy rain in Surat, Navsari, and Valsad in south Gujarat, as well as Jamnagar, Porbandar, Junagadh, Dwarka, and Kutch in the Saurashtra-Kutch region. The continuous rainfall has damaged many roads across the state. In Ahmedabad, a large sinkhole resembling a meteor crater formed when a portion of a road in Shela caved in during heavy rainfall. Waterlogging and uprooted trees have also been reported in various parts of Ahmedabad, with vehicles being damaged in KK Nagar.

Separately, part of the canopy at the passenger pickup and drop-off area of Rajkot airport collapsed on Saturday. According to sources from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the canopy broke during maintenance work to remove accumulated water. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and a detailed report has been requested.