Rescue operations underway

So far, 1,653 people have been rescued, and 17,800 have been relocated to safer areas. Despite nearly 20 hours of search efforts by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the missing persons have yet to be found.

In Sabarkantha district, local and fire brigade efforts rescued two individuals whose car was swept away by strong currents near Katwad village. Meanwhile, a bridge on National Highway 56 in Chhota Udepur district has been damaged by the heavy flow of the Bharaj river, causing disruptions in vehicular movement.

Vadodara, Anand, Kheda, and Panchmahals districts experienced very heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread waterlogging. Bharuch city has relocated 280 people from low-lying areas following the release of nearly 4 lakh cusecs of water into the Narmada river from the Sardar Sarovar Dam. In Navsari, over 1,500 individuals were moved to safety as river water levels crossed danger marks.

The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that 237 of the state's 251 talukas received rainfall, with 43 talukas experiencing over 100 mm of rain. Notably, Padra taluka in Vadodara saw 270 mm in just 12 hours, Borsad received 268 mm, and Nadiad saw 232 mm.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has convened a virtual meeting with district collectors, police superintendents, and senior officials to evaluate the crisis. As a precaution, the education department has declared a holiday for primary schools on Tuesday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has extended support from central forces if required. Chief Minister Patel confirmed the central assistance and ongoing rescue operations.

Transportation disruptions

The Western Railway has cancelled about 30 trains due to the heavy rains, with 13 trains being short-terminated and 36 rerouted. Railway operations will resume once weather conditions improve and water levels decrease.

IMD issues red alert

3-Day rainfall accumulation from Tuesday to Friday morning.

(TWC Met Team)

Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely over Saurashtra, Kutch, and the Gujarat region on August 27 and 28. Accordingly, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for several districts, including Saurashtra, Kutch, Kheda, Anand, Panchmahal, Dahod, Tapi, Navsari, and Valsad.

Since August 26, a total of 23,871 people shifted from low-lying areas and around 1,700 rescued from floodwaters. The state, in coordination with the Centre, has deployed 14 NDRF and 22 SDRF teams for ongoing rescue operations. Currently, 15 rivers and 21 dams/reservoirs are overflowing across the state.

Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid water bodies as Gujarat braces for continued intense rainfall in the coming days.

Source: weather