Due to heavy rain in July–August 2019, the city of Vadodara and its administrative district in the Indian state of Gujarat were affected by severe flooding.[1][2][3] On 31 July 2019, nearly 50 cm of rain fell on Vadodara within 12 hours, with 424mm recorded in one 6 hour period. As a result, the nearby Vishwamitri River rose to 1 metre below the danger line and the Ajwa dam overflowed, flooding the city.[4]
Consequences
The flood caused 8 deaths and the evacuation of more than 6000 people by the NDRF and SDRF.[5][6][7][8][9][10] Train services were cancelled owing to water-logging, and the electricity supply was interrupted.[11][4][10] On 1 August, Vadodara Airport was closed, GSRTC buses were cancelled and 69 trains passing through Vadodara Junction railway station were either cancelled or rerouted.[12][11]
As water in the Vadodara receded, Crocodiles were seen on Vadodara roads causing harassment to people and stray dogs.[13][14][15] 22 crocodiles were rescued from the residential areas of Vadodara within a week after flood.[16]