Gujarat Rains: Devotees Carried In Palkis Amid Downpour - Video

Heavy rainfall has caused havoc in Gujarat- leading to waterlogged streets across the western state. Visuals online show the extent of the flooding. Particularly noteworthy is a video from Girnar- an ancient hill in Junagadh revered in Hinduism,- dotted with 866 Hindu and Jain temples. Devotees typically ascend 9,999 steps to reach its peak at 3,672 feet. Despite the torrential rain- devotees persisted in their climb- navigating slippery stairs inundated with rainwater. Some were seen being carried in palanquins (palkis)- posing risks to both.

The downpour severely impacted residents of Junagadh, especially in areas like Ghed where streets were inundated. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to manage the situation. Schools in the affected regions have been ordered to remain closed as the weather agency issued an orange alert for the next two days.

"On July 2, parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra may receive very heavy rains at isolated places, while heavy rain would lash several parts of north Gujarat, central Gujarat and Saurashtra region. On July 3, very heavy rains would occur in Surat, Navsari, Valsad and in Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli," the IMD said in a release.

The heavy rains have also resulted in deaths in the state due to rain-related incidents.