The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the “deep depression” over East Rajasthan and nearby West Madhya Pradesh is expected to move westward and reach the Saurashtra region and adjacent areas of Pakistan and the North East Arabian Sea by August 29. The IMD also warned of a ‘high flash flood risk’ in certain watersheds and regions of East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat over the next 24 hours. This could lead to surface runoff and flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rainfall.
Several regions in Gujarat have already been heavily affected by downpours over the last two days, with many areas experiencing severe flooding. In response to the escalating crisis, Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi to offer the central government’s support. Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to providing timely assistance to the flood-hit regions.
Gujarat’s Chief Minister has ordered the evacuation of people from vulnerable low-lying areas to safer locations, with South Gujarat districts such as Valsad, Tapi, Navsari, Surat, Narmada, and Panchmahal being among the worst affected. Meanwhile, the IMD has also issued an orange warning for Odisha’s northeastern districts, including Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar, Dhenkanal, Angul, Jajapur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur .