Gujarat Floods: 35 dead, 17,800 evacuated, Luxury Cars damaged, crocodile roams, IAF, Army Called

Gujarat is grappling with severe consequences from relentless rainfall that has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread disruption. Over the past three days, at least 35 people have died due to the severe weather conditions, and approximately 17,800 individuals have been evacuated from flood-affected regions. The heavy showers have continued for the fourth consecutive day, exacerbating the crisis.

-Prime Minister Modi's Assurance and Support

• PM Modi's Communication with CM Patel: In light of the ongoing flood crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to discuss the situation and offer support from the central government. During their conversation, Modi expressed concern over the extensive flooding and offered guidance on relief measures.

• Rainfall Statistics: On Wednesday, several districts in the Saurashtra region, including Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Porbandar, experienced rainfall ranging from 50 mm to 200 mm within a 12-hour period ending at 6 pm. Notably, Bhanvad taluka in Devbhumi Dwarka recorded the highest rainfall of 185 mm.

-Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's Actions

• Relief Measures: Following a review meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister Patel announced several measures to address the flooding crisis:

1. Post-Flood Cleanup: Once the floodwaters recede in Vadodara, cleaning teams equipped with disinfectants from Ahmedabad, Surat, Bharuch, and Anand Municipal Corporations will be deployed. This operation will be coordinated with the Urban Development Department and the Municipal Director for effective cleanup.

2. Medical Assistance: A medical team from the Gujarat Health Department, along with necessary medicines, will be dispatched to Surat, Bhavnagar, Gandhinagar, and Rajkot to combat water-borne and vector-borne diseases.

3. Cash Assistance and Household Support: Immediate operations for distributing cash assistance and household support to affected districts have been ordered.

4. Additional Resources: Five additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and four Army columns will be mobilized to assist with the ongoing flood situation, particularly in Vadodara.

• Current Situation and Rescue Efforts

1. Rescue and Evacuation: Over 5,000 people have been evacuated, with 1,200 more rescued in Vadodara. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Army are actively involved in rescue operations.

2. Cleanup and Sanitation: Chief Minister Patel has instructed authorities to deploy cleaning equipment and disinfectants in Vadodara as soon as the water levels begin to subside. Teams from municipal corporations and municipalities will assist in the cleanup efforts.

​​​​​​​

-Heavy Rainfall Forecast: Red Alert for Saurashtra and Kutch

Current Rainfall Statistics

On Wednesday, several districts in the Saurashtra region, including Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Porbandar, experienced substantial rainfall. During a 12-hour period ending at 6 pm, these areas received between 50 mm and 200 mm of rain. Notably, Bhanvad taluka in the Devbhumi Dwarka district recorded the highest rainfall in the state with 185 mm.

IMD Forecast and Alerts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Saurashtra and Kutch, predicting extremely heavy rain in isolated parts of these districts on Thursday. According to the Met Office, a deep depression currently situated approximately 60 km north-northwest of Bhuj (Gujarat) has been moving slowly. It is expected to travel west and southwest, eventually emerging into the northeast Arabian Sea. The system is anticipated to intensify into a cyclonic storm by August 30.

Details from IMD Scientist Ramashray Yadav

IMD Scientist Ramashray Yadav noted that the deep depression is currently 50 km from Bhuj and 100 km from Naliya, moving at a speed of 12 km/hr. By the morning of August 29, it is expected to move into the northeast Arabian Sea and the adjoining areas of Saurashtra and Kutch. This system is likely to bring extremely heavy to exceptionally heavy rainfall to these regions.

Rainfall Warnings and Alerts

• Thursday (August 29): Red alert issued for Saurashtra and Kutch with expectations of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across all districts.

• Friday (August 30): Continued heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecasted for districts including Surendranagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Morbi, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Botad, and Kutch.

• Saturday (August 31): Heavy rainfall expected in Saurashtra and Kutch, with a yellow alert issued.

Localized Weather Conditions

For the next three hours, the IMD has forecast moderate thunderstorms or lightning with wind speeds ranging from 40 to 60 km/h, accompanied by heavy rain at isolated locations in Gujarat. This includes areas such as Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Morbi, Porbandar, Rajkot, and Junagadh.

Other Regions:

• Light to Moderate Rain: Expected in Surendranagar, Botad, Amreli, Gir Somnath, and Diu.

• Light Rain: Likely in Banaskantha, Patan, Mahesana, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Sabar Kantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Khera, Anand, Panchmahal, Surat, Tapi, Vadodara, Bharuch, Narmada, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Bhavnagar.

​​​​​​​

-Rescue Operations in Gujarat

Deployment of Additional Rescue Teams

In response to the severe flooding in Vadodara, Gujarat, the Chief Minister has ordered the immediate deployment of additional resources to support rescue and relief efforts. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is deploying five extra teams, and the Army is sending four more columns to assist the local administration. Additionally, rescue boats are being dispatched from Ahmedabad and Surat to help the flood-affected city.

Multi-Agency Response

Several agencies are actively engaged in the rescue and relief operations across the flood-affected regions. These include:

• NDRF and SDRF: Both forces are working tirelessly alongside other agencies to aid those in need.

• Indian Army: Six columns of the Indian Army are focused on providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in the most affected areas.

• Indian Air Force (IAF): The IAF is conducting aerial rescues to reach stranded individuals.

• Indian Coast Guard: They are involved in airlifting people from severely impacted regions.

According to officials, approximately 17,800 people have been relocated, and another 2,000 have been rescued so far.

Rainfall and Flooding Data

The recent heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding in Gujarat. Key statistics include:

• Statewide Rainfall: Gujarat has received 105% of its average annual rainfall to date.

• Heavy Rainfall Areas: Saurashtra districts, particularly Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Rajkot, experienced extreme rainfall. Notable figures include:

  • Devbhumi Dwarka: Khambhalia taluka received 454 mm of rain.

  • Jamnagar: Jamnagar city saw 387 mm, and Jamjodhpur taluka received 329 mm.

• Taluka Rainfall: Out of the state’s 251 talukas, 13 received more than 200 mm of rain, and 39 received over 100 mm.

Impact on Infrastructure

The heavy rains have caused significant disruptions:

• Reservoirs and Dams: 140 reservoirs and dams, along with 24 rivers, are flowing above danger marks. Out of 206 dams, 122 have been put on high alert due to rising water levels.

• Transportation: Flooding has disrupted road and rail transport. As a result:

  • Train Services: 48 trains were cancelled, 14 partially cancelled, 6 short-terminated, and 23 were diverted to alternative routes.

Helicopter Rescues

Porbandar: Helicopters have been deployed to rescue people stranded in flood-hit areas.

Devbhumi Dwarka: The Indian Air Force has rescued four individuals from the flood-affected Kalyanpur tehsil. Similarly, the Indian Coast Guard has airlifted residents from Shumsar village in Kalyanpur.

Impact on Local Communities

The floods have led to widespread isolation and power outages:

• Jamnagar: 71 villages remain cut off from the rest of the district with no electricity supply.

• Devbhumi Dwarka: Continued heavy rainfall has exacerbated the situation, with significant rainfall recorded in various blocks.

Notable Rescue: Radha Yadav's Rescue

Indian cricketer Radha Yadav, who was trapped in Vadodara due to rising water levels after the Vishwamitri river breached its banks, has been successfully rescued. Yadav expressed her gratitude to the NDRF for their efforts in saving stranded individuals.

-Deaths so far are 35

As of the latest reports, the devastating rains in Gujarat have claimed 35 lives over the past three days. The intense weather has triggered widespread flooding and ongoing rescue operations across the state.

Rainfall and Affected Areas

• Heavy Rainfall Data: Between Monday and Wednesday, the Saurashtra region experienced torrential rains, with recorded precipitation ranging from 50 mm to 200 mm within a 12-hour period ending at 6 pm. The highest rainfall of 185 mm was reported in Bhanvad taluka, Devbhumi Dwarka.

• Flood-Impact Areas: Major affected districts include Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Porbandar.

Rescue Operations

• Operational Units: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard are actively involved in rescue operations.

• Evacuations: Approximately 17,800 individuals have been evacuated from flood-affected areas.

Casualties and Incidents

• Casualties by Date:

  • Tuesday: 15 fatalities reported, with incidents of wall collapses and drownings across various villages.

  • Wednesday: Four additional deaths recorded due to drowning and structural failures.

• Specific Incidents:

  • Wall Collapses: Three fatalities in Anand district's Khadodhi village, two in Mahisagar's Haripura village, and two in Ahmedabad's Dhingra and Sanand villages. Another fatality occurred in Kheda's Chitrasar village.

  • Drownings: One person each drowned in Bharuch’s Piludara village, Junagadh’s Mangrol village, Panchmahal’s Halol, Ahmedabad’s Dholka taluka, and Maninagar in Ahmedabad city. Two persons drowned in Surendranagar’s Dhrangadra.

• Wednesday's Toll:

  • One drowning death in Dang’s Ahwa, Jamnagar’s Dhrol, one wall collapse death in Aravali’s Malpur, and a fatality due to a tree fall in Devbhoomi Dwarka’s Bahnvad.

Recent Developments

• Past Fatalities: On August 25 and 26, ten additional deaths were reported due to drowning, wall collapses, and tree felling incidents across various districts.

• Current Recovery Efforts: Seven individuals who went missing after their tractor trolley was swept away near Dhavana village, Morbi district, have been recovered. The bodies were found on Tuesday and Wednesday. One person remains missing.

​​​​​​​

-Ranjit Sagar Dam Overflows

Current Situation: The Ranjit Sagar Dam in Gujarat's Jamnagar district is currently overflowing. This overflow has been triggered by persistent heavy rainfall, which has raised the water level to 29 feet.

Official Response:

• Red Alert Issued: Jamnagar District Collector Bahvik Pandya has announced a red alert for the district for the next two days.

• Rainfall Data: Approximately 400 mm of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours.

• Impact on Dams: A total of 25 dams in the region are currently overflowing.

• Safety Measures: Residents without adequate shelter are advised to move to designated shelters, where meals will be provided. Rescue efforts are ongoing with the involvement of the Army, Air Force, NDRF, and SDRF.

-Vishwamitri River Breaches Its Banks

Flooding in Vadodara:

• Current Situation: The Vishwamitri River, which flows through Vadodara, has breached its banks, causing severe flooding in residential areas. This breach has led to inundation of buildings, roads, and vehicles.

• Impact on Infrastructure: Vadodara's Akota stadium and surrounding areas are also affected by the floodwaters.

• Rainfall Status: Although the rain has paused, the city continues to deal with extensive flooding in low-lying areas.

​​​​​​​

-School Closures in Surat

Ongoing School Closures:

• Affected Zones: Schools in Surat’s Central and Katargam zones remain closed due to waterlogging from recent heavy rains.

• Government Directive: The Gujarat government had previously ordered all primary schools to shut on Tuesday due to the waterlogging situation.

• Compliance Issues: Surat District Education Officer Bhagirathsinh Parmar reported that some schools, including SD Jain School, Sungrace School, and North Gujarat School, ignored the directive and remained open, leading to further administrative notices.

-Rajkot International Airport Runway Collapse

Incident Details:

• Collapse Event: A side wall of the runway at Rajkot International Airport collapsed early Thursday morning amidst ongoing heavy rainfall.

• Casualties: The severe weather has claimed approximately 35 lives since Monday.

• Rescue Efforts: Rescue operations are in progress across Gujarat to address the damage caused by the rain.

-Crocodile Rescued from Roof

A crocodile was found on the roof of a house in Vadodara as the city grapples with severe flooding and waterlogging.

-Vehicle Damage Due to Flooding

A Vadodara resident reported the loss of three cars due to severe waterlogging. The affected vehicles include a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, a Ford EcoSport, and an Audi A6. The resident shared images of the submerged cars on Reddit, highlighting the extensive damage caused by the intense downpour.

-Areas with Heavy Rainfall

Recent Rainfall Data:

• Affected Districts: Saurashtra districts, particularly Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Rajkot, experienced significant rainfall in the past 24 hours.

• Rainfall Amounts: Devbhumi Dwarka’s Khambhalia taluka received 454 mm of rainfall, Jamnagar city 387 mm, and Jamjodhpur taluka 329 mm.

• Statewide Impact: Out of Gujarat's 251 talukas, 13 received over 200 mm of rain and 39 received over 100 mm.

Infrastructure Disruptions:

• Reservoirs and Dams: 140 reservoirs and dams, and 24 rivers are currently flowing above danger levels.

• Transport Impact: The rainfall has disrupted traffic and train services. Out of 206 dams, 122 are on high alert. Additionally, 48 trains were canceled, 14 partially canceled, 6 short-terminated, and 23 diverted to alternative routes according to Western Railway's Ahmedabad division.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.