India: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra states as of July 13 /update 1

Event

Flooding triggered by heavy monsoon rains continues to cause disruptions across parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra states as of July 13. Further downpours are forecast in the region over the coming days and could lead to additional flooding, landslides, and associated disruptions.

Authorities have reported at least 14 weather-related fatalities across Gujarat State July 12-13, taking the total number of fatalities in the state during the current monsoon season to 83. Over 21,000 people remain evacuated in temporary shelters across the state due to flooding. As of July 13, the adverse weather has caused damage to three national highways, 51 state highways, and around 400 smaller roads. The worst-affected districts include Navsari, Valsad, Dang, Narmada, Chhota Udaipur, and Panchmahal. Schools have been closed in Kutch District July 13-14 due to the adverse weather.

Authorities have reported at least eight weather-related fatalities occurred across Maharashtra State July 12-13. Two of the fatalities occurred during a landslide near Vasai in Palghar District and six others were swept away by floodwaters in Nashik District. Another landslide in Palghar District July 13 blocked a section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad national highway. Nearly 2,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas of Gadchiroli District as of July 13 and over 7,700 people have been evacuated across the state. Several roads across Maharashtra have been made impassable by the flooding and disruptions to bus and train services are ongoing in many areas. Schools have been closed in the city of Pune and Palaghar District July 13-14 due to the adverse weather.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red (the highest level on a four-tier scale) heavy rainfall warnings across Gujarat and Maharasthra state July 13. Red warnings remain in place across Gujarat and western parts of Maharashtra July 14 and for Saurashtra Region and Kutch District in Gujarat July 15. Orange and yellow heavy rainfall warnings are in place across much of the rest of the affected area through July 16. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges and roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected region.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Resources

India Meteorological Department