State disaster teams on standby after IMD’s red alert for monsoon rains

Following the IMD’s issuance of a red alert for eight districts in Gujarat, state disaster management squads have been placed on high alert. The districts—Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, Tapi and Dang—are expected to experience very heavy rain on July 31. An orange warning earlier covered much of Saurashtra, forecasting intense showers. Gujarat’s government has directed all ministries to prepare for rapid response. In a meeting chaired by Relief Commissioner Gaurav Makwana at the SEOC in Gandhinagar, officials were tasked with mapping resources, synchronising with district collectors, and confirming the readiness of deployment teams. The Roads and Buildings Department received orders to swiftly dismantle hazardous hoardings and weak structures within municipal boundaries. Makwana warned that communication of weather alerts must reach the most vulnerable citizens, including slum residents and daily‑wage workers, to mitigate loss of life and property.