Heavy and persistent rainfall in Gujarat has resulted in at least 26 fatalities over the past three days, as severe flooding continues to affect the state. The relentless downpours have led to widespread devastation, prompting the evacuation of around 17,800 people from flood-affected areas.

Impact of the Floods

The tragic events began with the death of seven individuals who were swept away by floodwaters while crossing an overflowing causeway near Dhavana village in Morbi district on Sunday. The bodies of these victims have since been recovered, but one person remains missing.

Vadodara, despite a temporary lull in rain, is grappling with significant flooding. The Vishwamitri river breached its banks, inundating residential areas, buildings, roads, and vehicles. The city’s low-lying areas are particularly affected, with extensive damage reported.

Response and Relief Efforts

In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has contacted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to review the situation and assure the state’s administration of the Centre’s support.

The Indian government has deployed multiple rescue and relief teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and three Army columns to Vadodara. These teams are working to rescue individuals stranded on rooftops and in their homes.

Minister Rushikesh Patel reported that over 5,000 people have been evacuated, with an additional 1,200 rescued so far. The Chief Minister has directed the deployment of cleaning equipment and disinfectants to Vadodara as soon as the floodwaters begin to recede. Teams from Ahmedabad and Surat municipalities have also been mobilised to assist in relief efforts.

Forecast and Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Saurashtra and Kutch regions, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall. IMD Scientist Ramashray Yadav stated that a deep depression is moving west-southwestwards and is expected to bring exceptionally heavy rainfall to these areas. The forecast indicates a continuation of severe weather conditions, with Red Alerts extending to all districts in Saurashtra and Kutch.

Ongoing Impact

The heavy rains have caused substantial damage across the state. As of the latest reports, Gujarat has received 105 per cent of its average annual rainfall. Several districts in Saurashtra, including Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Rajkot, recorded very heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving over 200 mm in a 24-hour period.

Infrastructure has been severely affected, with 140 reservoirs and dams, as well as 24 rivers, flowing above danger levels. Floodwaters have disrupted traffic and train services, with 48 trains cancelled, 14 partially cancelled, and 23 diverted to alternative routes.

The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) reported that 122 out of 206 dams are on high alert due to rising water levels. Flooding has also impacted road and rail transport, causing significant disruptions across the state.

Government and Community Response

The ongoing situation continues to draw concern and support from various quarters. Prime Minister Modi’s engagement with Chief Minister Patel underscores the central government’s commitment to assisting Gujarat during this crisis. The state’s administration, along with national agencies, remains actively involved in rescue, relief, and recovery operations.

As Gujarat faces this severe weather event, the combined efforts of local, state, and national agencies will be crucial in managing the immediate impacts and mitigating long-term damage from the floods.

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