Around 1,200 stranded people have been rescued and over 22,000 residents shifted to safer locations as heavy rainfall triggered flood-like conditions across south Gujarat, officials said on Thursday. Read on to know more.
Heavy Rain Triggers Flood Like Condition In Gujarat
As per reports by NDTV, Valsad and Navsari remain the worst-hit districts, followed by Surat, Ahmedabad, Kheda, Tapi and Dangs. Heavy rainfall since Wednesday has inundated low-lying areas, disrupted transport and forced large-scale evacuation efforts.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), Umbergaon taluka in Valsad recorded more than 1,200 mm of rainfall in just 36 hours, while Chikhli and Khergam talukas in Navsari received around 800 mm and 650 mm, respectively.
Also Read: Gurgaon Floods: IMD Issues Orange Alert, Roads Waterlogged, Chaos At Sikanderpur Metro Station
Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana told the portal that over 12,000 people have been evacuated from Valsad and more than 10,000 from Navsari. Rescue teams have also saved over 1,200 stranded people in Valsad, including many from Umbergaon.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Army have been deployed in the affected districts. Three NDRF teams and two SDRF teams are operating in Valsad, while additional NDRF personnel are being airlifted from Odisha. Boats have also been pressed into service as several flooded areas remain inaccessible.
If reports are to be believed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and assured all possible assistance from the Centre.
Red Alert For Several District In Gujarat
In view of the IMD’s red and orange alerts for several districts, schools and colleges in the affected regions will remain closed on Friday.
Heavy rain also lashed Ahmedabad, where over 225 mm of rainfall caused severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Dholka taluka recorded 339 mm of rain in 12 hours.
Also Read: September Rainfall Set To Exceed 109% Of Normal In India; IMD Warns Of Flash Floods & Landslides
Officials said more than 1,200 roads, including four national highways and three state highways, have been closed due to flooding. Over 35 power substations were affected, leaving several areas without electricity.
The downpour also disrupted rail services, with multiple Mumbai-bound trains cancelled or short-terminated as water levels rose along tracks in south Gujarat.
We pray and hope that everyone is safe and secure in Gujarat.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/