Ahmedabad experiences monsoon season from July till September. It receives moderate to heavy rainfall (around 800 mm) during the season and become susceptible to urban flooding as the city comprises of over 60 lakes and rivers, and nearly 55 percent of the west zone are low-lying areas.

Infrastructural damage and traffic disruptions are some of the challenges faced during the time. Additionally, extreme humidity during this period also causes physical discomfort.

Low-Lying Areas Prone to Waterlogging in Ahmedabad

Natural Disasters – Recently Recorded

Ahmedabad is located on the flat alluvial plains of large river bodies and hence are prone to severe flooding as was witnessed in July 2022. Nearly seven casualties were reported while over 9,000 people were displaced and 468 more were rescued.

Gujarat as a state is also very seismically active and records several earthquakes. On the seismic scale ranging from I-V, Ahmedabad falls under seismic zone III which has a moderate intensity zone. Some parts of the state like Bhuj falls under zone V.

Common Disruptions

Precautions by the Government

• Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is working towards improving its stormwater drainage systems.
• The state electricity board prepares itself every year ahead of the monsoon season to adequately deal with and respond to power outages.
• In the event of heavy rainfall or severe flooding, the government is prepared to undertake disaster management plans.
• Police are deployed in larger numbers for maintenance of traffic flow. Often diversions and temporary blockades are issued for traffic management.

Recommendations

For Organisations

• Advised to undertake flexible working arrangement and allow remote work on days with inclement weather conditions.
• Conduct regular maintenance of equipment, machinery, and facilities to ensure they are in optimal condition to withstand any damage that may occur due to thunderstorms or lightning strikes.
• Advised to inspect and reinforce the infrastructure of your business premises to withstand heavy rainfall and winds.
• Undertake dampness check for water and electrical leakages.
• Prepare for adequate power backups to minimise the impact of power outages.

For Individuals

• Advised to consider extra travel time as even low intensity rainfall may lead to severe congestion and consequent delays.
• Keep the surrounding clean. Unclog drains and trim the plants (if any) within the residential complex to avoid any kind of blockades.
• Be cautious during thunderstorms: Seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms and remain vigilant of alerts and warnings as issued by authorities.
• Stay away from tall structures, trees, and open areas.
• Be cautious of frayed wires, electrical lines, and tree limbs.
• Unplug electronic devices to prevent damage from power surges during electrical storms.
• Use mosquito repellents and wear protective clothing.
• Taxi (online and offline) and delivery services tend to charge surge rates during rainfall. Advised to take the same into account and plan accordingly.
• Avoid consumption of unfiltered water or street food.
• MitKat advises to avoid venturing near lowl-ying areas or waterbodies, keep a fresh set of clothes in the office and carry important documents and electronic gadgets in a waterproof bags.
• In case driving in low-lying areas, avoid hard accelerations and brakes; maintain a steady momentum and do not restart engine while the vehicle is stalled in water. For further safe driving guidelines, refer to MitKat’s Special Advisory on Safety Measures for Vehicles During Heavy Rainfall.

Emergency Contacts and Source Links –

• Weather Updates – Ahmedabad District-wise , Ahmedabad Nowcast
• For live tracking of Cyclone Biparjoy – Interactive Track of Cyclone
• Traffic Updates – Ahmedabad Traffic Police
• Power Supply – Ahmedabad Electricity
• AMC headquarters – +91 79 25391811 or 25391830
• AMC Control Room – 25353858, 25353717