Torrential rains have created flood like conditions in the southern districts of Gujarat. After 43 inches of rain in 28 hours in Umargam, 1,200 people were rescued with the help of Army and NDRF. Relief operations are underway in Surat, Navsari and Valsad, while schools have been closed in Ahmedabad due to heavy rains.
Gujarat Rain News: Continuous torrential rains in the southern part of Gujarat have created flood-like conditions. The most affected was Umargam area of Valsad district, where about 43 inches of rain was recorded in just 28 hours. The situation became so serious that teams from the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had to be deployed for relief and rescue operations. So far, about 1,200 people have been evacuated safely from Umargam. Around 1,500 people were evacuated to safe places in Surat city, while around 200 people from 11 villages stranded due to floods in the Kaveri river in Navsari district were rescued.
More than 1500 rescued in Surat
Relief Commissioner Gaurav Makwana said that apart from Valsad, there has been heavy rain in Vapi and Kaprada also. Around 1,500 people were evacuated to safe places in Surat city, while around 200 people from 11 villages stranded due to floods in the Kaveri river in Navsari district were rescued. The death of one person due to drowning has also been confirmed in Tapi district.
Cars drowned in parking, video went viral
Due to heavy rains, the situation of waterlogging in Vapi town of Valsad district became very serious. In a video viral on social media, the parking lot of a building is seen completely submerged in water. Many cars parked in the parking lot were submerged in water almost up to the windows, while the surrounding roads were also seen submerged.
Red alert issued in Surat-Tapi district
Due to incessant rains, Aurangabad, Par and Damanganga rivers are in spate, creating flood-like conditions in many low-lying areas of Valsad. The administration has evacuated thousands of people from the affected areas to safe places. At the same time, the Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Valsad, Navsari, Dang, Surat and Tapi districts and appealed to the people to remain alert.
Modi-Shah talked to CM, took stock of the situation
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the situation by reaching the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) in Gandhinagar. He interacted with the officials of Surat, Valsad, Navsari and Tapi districts and got information about the relief and rescue work. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to the Chief Minister on phone and assured all possible assistance from the Central Government.
Army, NDRF, Coast Guard… all deployed
The central government has deployed an army team of 70 soldiers, five boats and a 25-member fire department team in Valsad. Apart from this, two additional NDRF teams have also been sent from New Delhi. The Air Force and Coast Guard have also been put on alert so that people can be airlifted if needed.
The effect of heavy rain was also seen in Ahmedabad. In view of the situation, it has been decided to keep all government, aided and private secondary and higher secondary schools closed on Thursday and Friday.
Know where and how much rain has occurred, how is the situation
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, Umarpada in Surat district recorded the highest rainfall of 328 mm between 6 am and 2 pm on Thursday. Khergam in Navsari received 274 mm rainfall, Pardi in Valsad received 268 mm rainfall and Umargam received 251 mm rainfall. Due to incessant rains, more than 300 panchayat roads had to be temporarily closed, while more than 200 Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) bus services were also affected.
