Gujarat: IMD issues red alert; schools closed as several districts waterlogged

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Gujarat on Monday, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the state over the next two to three days. The heavy rain is attributed to a deep depression moving from eastern Rajasthan toward the Saurashtra region, with the IMD designating Gujarat as a ‘flash flood risk’ zone until August 29.

Rainfall since August 24 had already caused waterlogging in low lying areas, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) carrying out rescue operations due to people being displaced from homes due to the water inundation.

The chief minister Bhupendra Patel’s office release announced that currently Valsad, Tapi, Navsari, Surat, Narmada, and Panchmahal were the worst-hit districts.

Also Read: India May Ban Telegram Amid Investigation Over Criminal Activities such as Gambling and Extortion

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Reviews Rain Impact

Amid heavy rainfall in Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a high-level meeting at the State Emergency Operation Center in Gandhinagar on Monday, involving collectors, municipal commissioners, and district officials. The meeting focused on assessing the impact of the ongoing rains, with CM Patel stressing the importance of minimizing loss of life and livestock, while prioritizing rescue operations. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, 17,827 people have been evacuated and 1,653 have been rescued. In the worst-hit districts, 13 NDRF and 22 SDRF teams have been deployed to carry out relief and rescue operations.

Due to extensive waterlogging, Education Minister Praful Pansheriya announced that all primary schools in Gujarat will remain closed on Tuesday. Baroda experienced the highest rainfall in the state on Monday, recording 26 cm, followed by Ahmedabad with 10 cm. Over the last 24 hours, rainfall was recorded across 244 talukas in 33 districts, with an average of 63.36 mm of rain.

Also Read: रूस के सरातोव में 38 मंजिला इमारत से टकराया ड्रोन, पलटवार में यूक्रेन के 12 शहरों पर सैकड़ों मिसाइलें दागीं

Severe Flooding Leaves Seven Missing in Morbi

In a tragic incident, seven individuals were swept away in a trolley tractor in Morbi district’s Halvad taluka due to overflowing roads. Despite joint search efforts by the NDRF and SDRF, they remain untraced after 20 hours. Meanwhile, in Bharuch, 280 people were relocated to safer areas as nearly 4 lakh cusecs of water were released from Sardar Sarovar Dam, pushing the Narmada River above the danger level.

In Valsad, severe waterlogging has stranded residents, leading the NDRF to rescue a pregnant woman. Road connectivity has been heavily impacted, and authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid water bodies. Fishermen have also been advised against venturing out due to rough seas and bad weather. The IMD has issued a red alert in Gujarat till August 30, warning of traffic disruptions, structural damage, waterlogging, and crop damage, while urging people to remain indoors and stay updated on weather alerts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with CM Patel and Gujarat’s Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, offering any necessary support from the central government to tackle the situation.