Gujarat Heavy Rainfall Triggers Floods Across South Gujarat: Rescue Operations Underway

Gujarat heavy rainfall, particularly in the southern regions, led to widespread flooding and severe disruptions in cities such as Vadodara, Surat, and Ahmedabad. Major rivers, including the Narmada and Tapi, have surged past safety levels, prompting large-scale evacuations.

At least 15 people have lost their lives, and 23,000 have been evacuated from various districts as heavy rainfall continues to impact coastal areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a respite in the rain soon, as the deep depression over Saurashtra-Kachchh and north Gujarat is expected to move out by Wednesday evening.

Heavy Downpours Lash Gujarat

IMD reports that Vadodara received 26 cm of rain in two days, causing traffic jams and severe waterlogging in residential areas due to the Vishwamitri River overflowing. The release of water from the Ajwa and Pratappura reservoirs has further exacerbated the flooding. Similarly, South Gujarat, including Surat, has faced unprecedented rainfall, leading to widespread waterlogging. The situation worsened with the release of water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam, causing the Narmada River to overflow.

Evacuations and Rescue Efforts

NDRF and SDRF teams are actively conducting rescue operations across Gujarat. To speed up these efforts, the state government has requested six Indian Army columns for deployment in Dwarka, Anand, Vadodara, Kheda, Morbi, and Rajkot districts. So far, 23,871 people have been relocated to safer areas, and 1,696 individuals have been rescued.

Government Response and Precautions

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas and held a high-level meeting to address the crisis. The government has intensified relief efforts, ensuring continuous operations. The IMD has issued a red alert for several districts, warning of more heavy rains. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) urged District Collectors to enforce strict safety measures, including preventing people from entering flooded rivers and drains. Coastal districts were advised to keep fishermen away from the sea.

મુખ્યમંત્રી શ્રી ભૂપેન્દ્રભાઈ પટેલે સમગ્ર રાજ્યમાં ભારે વરસાદને કારણે સર્જાયેલી પરિસ્થિતિમાં વહિવટી તંત્ર દ્વારા હાથ ધરાયેલી કામગીરી અને બચાવ-રાહત પગલાંની સમીક્ષા સ્ટેટ ઈમરજન્સી ઓપરેશન સેન્ટરથી વિડીયો કોન્ફરન્સ યોજીને કરી હતી. તેમણે જિલ્લા કલેક્ટરશ્રીઓ અને મહાનગરોના મ્યુનિસિપલ… pic.twitter.com/8n61dLPQRJ

— CMO Gujarat (@CMOGuj) August 27, 2024

Impact on Infrastructure and Livelihoods

The heavy rainfall has caused major disruptions in South Gujarat, submerging highways and halting transportation services. Reservoirs like the Ukai Dam are nearing full capacity, raising concerns about further flooding. The IMD’s forecast of continued rain until Thursday has added to the anxiety of residents across the state.

Conclusion

As Gujarat braces for more heavy rainfall, the state’s resilience is being tested. Coordinated rescue efforts and government interventions aim to mitigate the worst effects of the floods and protect lives and livelihoods. Amit Shah has assured the state’s full support from the central government, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive disaster management plan.

Read More: The Flood Situation in India: A 2024 Overview