Unprecedented rainfall: Desert state of Rajasthan records 1466 mm (57.7 inches) in 48 hours
Mount Abu weather station in Sirohi district of India's desert state of Rajasthan received an unprecedented amount of rain on July 25 and 26 with a staggering cumulative of 1 466 mm (57.7 inches) on top of 700 mm (25.5 inches) received on July 23 and 24. While the numbers still need to be verified by officials, it won't mean much for the locals who are already experiencing severe floods and landslides. At least 12 people have been killed across the state, as of early July 26. In the neighboring state of Gujarat, the death toll reached 83, bringing the total to 95 in less than 3 days.
The state of Rajasthan has been witnessing drenching rains over the past couple of days. To such an extent that these showers have wreaked havoc among the locals, distressing normal life as well as road and rail traffic, SkyMet Weather reported July 26.
The reason for these rains could be attributed to the low pressure area which was over Central Rajasthan and at present has shifted to southwestern parts of the state. Further, this system is likely to weaken gradually in the next 24 hours, SkyMet meteorologists said.
According to The Hindu, statistics show that until 2010, the 100-year record for a single-day of rain in Mount Abu was 653 mm (25.7 inches) in 1992. The only comparable deluge after was a 453 mm (17.8 inches) downpour in 2015. In comparison, the torrential rain that brought Mumbai to a standstill in 2005 was 944 mm (37.1 inches) and 644 mm (25.3 inches) on July 26 and 27, whereas Chennai was brought to its knees in 2015 with a cumulative November tally of 1 049 mm (41.2 inches).
Credit: NASA/JAXA GPM
According to an article published today by The Times of India, incessant rains since July 21 night have virtually cut off Mount Abu from Gujarat with the hill station plundered by as much as 2 794 mm (110 inches) in just 4 days.
While there has been no major casualty in Abu, Internet broadband connectivity of BSNL and other private telecom operators has been badly hit. Vodafone and Airtel have managed to partially restore the services but BSNL services remained hampered. Though the highway from Abu Road to Mount Abu is clear for traffic, vehicles are moving at a snail's pace and have been asked to exercise caution due to possibilities of landslides and rocks falling from a height. All schools and colleges have been closed as per the order of collector as a precautionary measure.
At least 12 people have been killed across the state between July 24 and early July 26.
The same weather system brought extreme amounts of rain to the neighboring state of Gujarat. In Ahmedabad, Gujarat's main city, more than 10 000 were evacuated to higher ground. 350 villages had been waterlogged, hitting cotton and groundnut crops.
Between July 24 and early July 26, at least 83 people have been killed in the state, bringing the death toll in the two states to 95.
Floods in Gujarat, western India – July 25, 2017. Credit: Narendra Modi
Floods in Gujarat, western India – July 25, 2017. Credit: Narendra Modi
Floods in Gujarat, western India – July 25, 2017. Credit: Narendra Modi
Across the state, more than 36 000 were evacuated and more than 1 600 rescued with the help of Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the National Disaster Response Force since Monday, July 24.
Featured image: Floods in Gujarat, western India – July 25, 2017. Credit: Narendra Modi
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Gujrat floods are posing grim situation, while some rivers – dams there appear to be overflowing. Helicopter service and NDRF – Army – Air Force- Navy have been pressed into service for rescue. Rajasthan and other vulnerable States have also been impacted. This Vedic astrology writer had , however , alerted against massive floods and connected serious problems in Gujrat , Rajasthan and other vulnerable States through article “ 2017 – an opportune year for India with major worrisome concerns in February-March and August-September” issued widely to Indian news media last year in October and November 2016. The text of the alert covering near and in August-September 2017 , reads like this : “ near and in August-September times, look to be presenting health hazards or epidemics. Floods and landslides may generate huge worry in Gujrat , Rajasthan and other vulnerable States of India. Plants and crops including food crops could fall short of normal expectations. Huge dangerous super sea storm in coastal areas could likely lash at , among others , Gujrat leaving a distinct mark of devastation on the land”. Going by news reports as on 25 July 2017 , it can be said that the alert has been meaningful.
Note : It may be alright to take more care and appropriate measures against floods , landslides and other disasters during 1 to 3 August 2017 in Rajasthan , Gujrat and other vulnerable States of the country.