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Multiple days with periods of torrential rain in Rajasthan (an arid state of India) during July and August 2019 resulted in extreme flooding in several districts, causing heavy damage to lives and property. The research described in this short communication examines this flood event using observations from satellite data. Baran, Bhilwara, Pali, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara districts of Rajasthan were severely affected. Banswara, Dungarpur, Pali, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar districts of Rajasthan received a cumulative rainfall total in excess of 1000mm for July and August 2019. Peak precipitation was in excess of 300mm day−1 on 15–16 August 2019 over some of these districts. Pali district recorded maximum rainfall rates in excess of 50mmh−1 on 15th and 16th August at 0630 utc and 0500 utc, respectively. Over a few of the regions of these districts, rainfall totals were in excess of 150% of the normal during July–August 2019, resulting in flash flooding. We also report that severe flood events are on the rise in recent decades over Rajasthan. Therefore, a proper flood management strategy is required to combat the risk of future flood disasters.