Gujarat continues to grapple with the devastating impact of incessant heavy rains, which have claimed at least 15 lives and forced the evacuation of more than 23,000 people across several districts. As heavy showers lashed the coastal state, over 300 individuals were rescued in ongoing relief efforts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a potential respite from the deluge, predicting that the deep depression over Saurashtra-Kachchh and north Gujarat will move out of the affected regions by Wednesday evening, offering a much-needed break from the rain fury.
In response to the crisis, the Gujarat government has requested the assistance of six Indian Army columns to expedite rescue and relief operations. These columns will be deployed in Dwarka, Anand, Vadodara, Kheda, Morbi, and Rajkot districts. Alongside the Army, 14 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) platoons and 22 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have already been stationed to bolster the disaster management efforts.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review the ongoing relief and rescue operations. He instructed District Collectors to maintain strict vigilance, particularly around rivers, drains, and lakes that are at risk of overflowing due to the heavy rains. Patel also urged coastal district authorities to enforce the Meteorological Department’s warning for fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a show of support, held a telephonic conversation with Chief Minister Patel, seeking updates on the situation. Modi assured Patel of full support from the Central Government, emphasizing his concern for the people of Gujarat and his commitment to providing all necessary assistance.
In a social media post, Patel shared details of his conversation with the Prime Minister, expressing gratitude for Modi’s continued attention and guidance during this challenging time.
The districts of Vadodara and Panchmahals have been particularly hard-hit, with over 12,000 people evacuated on Tuesday alone—8,361 from Vadodara and 4,000 from Panchmahals. So far, a total of 23,870 people have been moved to safer locations, and 1,696 individuals have been rescued. Among those evacuated were 75 pregnant women, who were relocated to nearby health centres for safety and care.
As the rain continues to pound the state, several rivers have surged past their danger marks, exacerbating the flooding situation. In Bharuch district, the Narmada River crossed the danger level of 24 feet at Golden Bridge, inundating low-lying areas. Similarly, in Vadodara, more than 3,000 residents were evacuated after the Vishwamitri River breached its danger mark of 25 feet on Tuesday morning.
The Gujarat government, alongside the NDRF, SDRF, and Indian Army, remains on high alert as they continue to combat the severe flooding and work to protect the lives and property of the state’s residents.