Gujarat, August 29, 2024 — Gujarat continues to battle severe flooding as relentless heavy rainfall lashes the state, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a ‘red’ alert for several districts. The deep depression over the Saurashtra and Kachchh regions is expected to intensify as it drifts toward the northeast Arabian Sea, bringing even more rainfall and exacerbating the already critical flood situation.
Over the past three days, the death toll from rain-related incidents has tragically climbed to 28, with thousands of residents displaced. Rescue and relief operations are in full swing as authorities race against time to evacuate those trapped in the worst-hit areas.
Flood Impact Across Gujarat
According to IMD forecasts, extremely heavy showers are anticipated across 12 districts, including Kachchh, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Morbi, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Botad. The Saurashtra region has been particularly hard-hit, with districts such as Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Porbandar receiving between 50mm and 200mm of rain within a 12-hour period ending at 6 pm on Wednesday. Bhanvad taluka in Devbhoomi Dwarka recorded the highest rainfall at 185mm.
The heavy downpour has led to widespread inundation, with waterlogging reported in multiple areas, disrupting daily life and infrastructure.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
State and central agencies have mobilized substantial resources to assist those affected by the floods. Six contingents of the Indian Army have been deployed to support the 14 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 22 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams working tirelessly to rescue and provide relief to the flood-stricken population.
State Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey reported that approximately 40,000 people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas across the state. NDRF Inspector Manjit, speaking to ANI, confirmed that 95 individuals had been rescued from life-threatening situations in the Dwarka region alone over the past two days.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed that over 5,000 people have been relocated to safer areas, as rescue operations continue in full force.
Weather Update and Government Response
The IMD has warned that the deep depression over Saurashtra and Kachchh has remained stationary over the last six hours and is currently located about 50 km north-northwest of Bhuj. The depression is expected to move west-southwest and enter the northeast Arabian Sea by the morning of August 30th. As it moves away from the Indian coast, there is a possibility of temporary and marginal intensification over the Arabian Sea.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel of the central government’s full support in managing the crisis. In a phone call, the Prime Minister provided guidance on protecting the lives and livestock of citizens and pledged all necessary assistance from the central government.
Chief Minister Patel has been actively reviewing the situation and has urged officials to prioritize the relief operations, particularly in the severely affected areas of Vadodara city, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Jamnagar districts. “The priority of the state government is to provide food packets, drinking water pouches, and healthcare to the people trapped in the flood until the water recedes,” Patel stated. Efforts are also underway to restore power supply in districts where it has been disrupted due to the floods.
As the rains continue, the state remains on high alert, with authorities urging citizens to stay safe and avoid non-essential travel. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as the crisis develops.
+ There are no comments
Add yours