The South-West monsoon in Gujarat has gained momentum with widespread rains being witnessed in most parts of the State. The southern districts saw heavy showers over the last few days flooding.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, in the past 24 hours Umergam taluka of Valsad district has received maximum rainfall of 236 millimetres (mm). As on morning of July 8, the overall average rainfall in the State is reported at 191 mm, about 23 per cent of the long-period average of 816 mm.

South Gujarat has received maximum, about 29 per cent of the region's long-period average rainfall, with Valsad district receiving over 42 per cent of the district's average rains. Following heavy rains in the district, six sluice gates on the Madhuban dam have been opened releasing heavy water into Daman Ganga river.

The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river has also received heavy water inflow due to rains in the upper catchment area in Madhya Pradesh. The water level at Kevadia reached 121.02 metres of the total height of the dam of 138.68 metres.

In Saurashtra rain is still below 20 per cent of the season’s average for the region, while Kutch is yet to see good rains. The district has received merely 6 per cent of its normal rains so far.

Rains in the North Gujarat and Central Gujarat regions are progressing moderately, with the regions receiving around 20 per cent of their normal rain till the first week of July.

All the total 251 talukas in the State have received rains, a State government statement said.

More rains prediction

The Met department has predicted more rains in the State over the next five days. A warning for heavy to very heavy rains, with isolated extremely heavy falls in some districts of South Gujarat region and Saurashtra has been issued.

Till last week, sown area was 28.24 lakh hectares or 33.32 per cent of the normal sowing for the State.

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