Palanpur: Rain-starved North Gujarat finally witnessed a proper onset of the southwest monsoon on Friday, with all districts receiving significant rainfall that brought much-needed relief to farmers but also triggered flooding, waterlogging and rescue operations in several areas.Patan, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha and Aravali recorded intense downpours that inundated towns, submerged fields and swelled rivers.The torrential rain left Radhanpur town waterlogged, with several residential societies inundated. Residents blamed incomplete drainage work for the flooding, alleging that roads had been laid without completing underground sewer works, preventing proper water discharge.In neighbouring Santalpur, heavy rain revived ponds, check dams and other water bodies. However, low-lying agricultural fields were submerged, raising fears of damage to recently sown kharif crops. Waterlogging also disrupted traffic on highways and rural roads.Banaskantha district witnessed one of the most challenging situations. In Deodar, where more than 170 mm of rain fell within hours, floodwaters entered Lakshmipura village, prompting the district administration to rescue around 70 residents and shift them to safer locations.In Bhabhar town, the main market was in knee-deep water and several shops were inundated.In Sabarkantha district, the Harnav river flowing through Khedbrahma overflowed its banks for the first time this monsoon after heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment. The fresh inflows brought relief to farmers in the river basin and are expected to augment water availability downstream, including inflows into the Dharoi reservoir through the Sabarmati river.Heavy rain also affected Palanpur, where an underground power cable caught fire on an electricity pole, triggering repeated explosions and panic among residents. The cable continued burning for nearly two hours before UGVCL officials reached the spot and brought the situation under control. No casualties were reported.In view of the India Meteorological Department‘s forecast of heavy rainfall, all anganwadi centres, primary schools, secondary and higher secondary schools, and colleges in Vav-Tharad district will remain closed on July 25.
