IMD red alert for Gujarat: Schools, colleges shut in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, other districts
In Ahmedabad, Collector Bhavya Verma ordered the closure of all government, grant-in-aid and private primary, secondary and higher secondary schools, as well as colleges, on July 31
- Jul 31, 2026,
- Updated Jul 31, 2026 11:45 AM IST
The Gujarat government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in several districts, including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Anand and Kheda, after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Alert for extremely heavy rainfall. The precautionary measure comes as multiple weather systems converge over the state, raising the risk of flooding, waterlogging and disruption to normal life.
According to the IMD, districts including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Anand, Kheda, Bharuch, Narmada, Chhota Udepur, Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, Dang, Bhavnagar and Botad are likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. The weather department has attributed the intense spell to the combined impact of a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, an active monsoon trough, a shear zone, a western disturbance and an offshore trough.
READ THIS: From 40% deficit to near normal: How just two weeks changed India's monsoon
Ahmedabad Collector Bhavya Verma orders closure
In Ahmedabad, Collector Bhavya Verma ordered the closure of all government, grant-in-aid and private primary, secondary and higher secondary schools, as well as colleges, on July 31.
Following the Collector's directions, the District Education Officer (DEO) issued an order asking all educational institutions to remain shut and directed school authorities to immediately inform students, parents and staff through WhatsApp messages, SMS alerts, phone calls and other communication channels.
The administration said the decision was taken purely as a precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff in view of the Red Alert issued by the IMD. Authorities added that a decision on reopening institutions will be taken after reviewing the weather conditions.
Vadodara shuts educational institutions
In Vadodara, District Collector Dr Anil Dhameliya ordered the closure of anganwadis, government and private schools, higher secondary schools, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), coaching centres, polytechnic institutes and colleges.
The district administration said the IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall along with winds of 45-55 kmph, making it unsafe for students to commute.
Kheda, Anand also announces holidays
Authorities in Kheda district announced that all anganwadis, schools, colleges and ITIs will remain closed on July 31 and August 1 following the weather warning. District Magistrate N. V. Upadhyay said the decision was taken to avoid any untoward incidents during the expected spell of heavy rain.
In neighbouring Anand, educational institutions have also been directed to remain closed. Meanwhile, Sardar Patel University postponed examinations scheduled for July 31, stating that revised dates will be announced later.
ALSO READ: From Odisha to Delhi: These states will see heavy rainfall as 2 weather systems merge
Officials urge residents to stay indoors
Surat Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan said civic authorities have initiated preventive measures in anticipation of strong winds and heavy rain.
"In view of the forecast of high-velocity winds, the Surat Municipal Corporation has begun checking the strength of hoardings, lowering high-mast street lights and closing certain roads as part of safety measures," Nagarajan said.
District administrations across Gujarat have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from waterlogged areas, electric poles and trees during thunderstorms, and follow official weather advisories until the severe weather subsides.
Disaster response intensified
The Gujarat government has stepped up disaster preparedness across vulnerable districts. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed at strategic locations, while emergency control rooms have been activated to monitor the evolving situation.
Local administrations are closely tracking river water levels, inspecting flood-prone areas and preparing evacuation plans for low-lying localities if rainfall intensifies further.
The Gujarat government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in several districts, including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Anand and Kheda, after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Alert for extremely heavy rainfall. The precautionary measure comes as multiple weather systems converge over the state, raising the risk of flooding, waterlogging and disruption to normal life.
According to the IMD, districts including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Anand, Kheda, Bharuch, Narmada, Chhota Udepur, Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, Dang, Bhavnagar and Botad are likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. The weather department has attributed the intense spell to the combined impact of a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, an active monsoon trough, a shear zone, a western disturbance and an offshore trough.
READ THIS: From 40% deficit to near normal: How just two weeks changed India's monsoon
Ahmedabad Collector Bhavya Verma orders closure
In Ahmedabad, Collector Bhavya Verma ordered the closure of all government, grant-in-aid and private primary, secondary and higher secondary schools, as well as colleges, on July 31.
Following the Collector's directions, the District Education Officer (DEO) issued an order asking all educational institutions to remain shut and directed school authorities to immediately inform students, parents and staff through WhatsApp messages, SMS alerts, phone calls and other communication channels.
The administration said the decision was taken purely as a precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff in view of the Red Alert issued by the IMD. Authorities added that a decision on reopening institutions will be taken after reviewing the weather conditions.
Vadodara shuts educational institutions
In Vadodara, District Collector Dr Anil Dhameliya ordered the closure of anganwadis, government and private schools, higher secondary schools, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), coaching centres, polytechnic institutes and colleges.
The district administration said the IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall along with winds of 45-55 kmph, making it unsafe for students to commute.
Kheda, Anand also announces holidays
Authorities in Kheda district announced that all anganwadis, schools, colleges and ITIs will remain closed on July 31 and August 1 following the weather warning. District Magistrate N. V. Upadhyay said the decision was taken to avoid any untoward incidents during the expected spell of heavy rain.
In neighbouring Anand, educational institutions have also been directed to remain closed. Meanwhile, Sardar Patel University postponed examinations scheduled for July 31, stating that revised dates will be announced later.
ALSO READ: From Odisha to Delhi: These states will see heavy rainfall as 2 weather systems merge
Officials urge residents to stay indoors
Surat Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan said civic authorities have initiated preventive measures in anticipation of strong winds and heavy rain.
"In view of the forecast of high-velocity winds, the Surat Municipal Corporation has begun checking the strength of hoardings, lowering high-mast street lights and closing certain roads as part of safety measures," Nagarajan said.
District administrations across Gujarat have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from waterlogged areas, electric poles and trees during thunderstorms, and follow official weather advisories until the severe weather subsides.
Disaster response intensified
The Gujarat government has stepped up disaster preparedness across vulnerable districts. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed at strategic locations, while emergency control rooms have been activated to monitor the evolving situation.
Local administrations are closely tracking river water levels, inspecting flood-prone areas and preparing evacuation plans for low-lying localities if rainfall intensifies further.