Downpour affects Ahmedabad, civic officials on their toes

, July 30: Low-lying areas in the city were water-logged following heavy downpour in the intervening night between Tuesday and Wednesday. Over 9.6 inches of rainfall were recorded between 2 pm on Tuesday and 9 am on Wednesday.

Over 50 roads in the entire city were water-logged, causing a heavy traffic congestion by 9 am. Civic authorities said the schools were shut to reduce the traffic pressure on the water-logged streets. A number of under bridges were also closed as a result of the heavy shower. The municipal corporation deployed pumps to flush out the water.

Top civic officials including the Municipal Commissioner and his deputy supervised the administration's efforts to restore normalcy. All officers and employees of engineering, health, fire and other departments were put on alert.

The authorities also removed 12 trees that were uprooted in the nightlong rain. Municipal school buildings were made to accommodate those hit by the rain. The timing of the water supply was also changed from 6 am to 10 am.

Morning flights to Ahmedabad were diverted. The road to the airport in the city was also hit. Bus service was also affected by the rain. The were also reports of building collapse from Khadia and other parts of the city.

Gandhinagar, Kadi, Mehsana and parts of South Gujarat were also affected by the rain.

Oneindia News