Gujarat flood: 28 deaths reported, over 40,000 people displaced

Digital Desk: On Wednesday, heavy rainfall continued to batter parts of Gujarat for the fourth straight day, leading to severe flooding in several regions, with Vadodara being the most affected. Some areas in Vadodara are under 10 to 12 feet of water, prompting the state government to enlist the Indian Army for rescue and relief operations. Rain-related incidents have claimed at least 28 lives in the past three days, and approximately 40,000 people have been evacuated, according to state relief commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rains in parts of Saurashtra on Thursday. Although there was a temporary break in rainfall, Vadodara continued to suffer from severe flooding after the Vishwamitri river breached its banks, inundating roads, buildings, and vehicles. With the river surpassing its danger mark, officials have closed the gates of Ajwa Dam to prevent further overflow. State health minister Rushikesh Patel reported that over 5,000 people have been evacuated and 1,200 rescued in Vadodara alone.

In response to the worsening situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, offering central government support. The chief minister has requested additional National Disaster Response Force teams and Army columns for Vadodara. Rescue boats from Ahmedabad and Surat are on their way to the city.

The recent rains have led to at least 28 deaths across various districts, including Rajkot, Anand, and Ahmedabad. Among the deceased are seven of eight individuals who were missing after a tractor trolley was swept away in Morbi district. Rain has also caused significant disruption to transportation, with numerous train cancellations and road blockages reported.

Gujarat has received 105% of its average annual rainfall so far, with several districts experiencing between 50mm and 200mm of rain in 12 hours. In Porbandar, 14 people were airlifted as villages became isolated. Additionally, 140 reservoirs and dams, and 24 rivers are flowing above danger levels, further complicating the rescue and relief efforts.