15 Dead, 20,000 Evacuated as Heavy Rainfall Batters Gujarat, Red Alert Issued

Gandhinagar: 15 people have died in rain-related incidents, and 20,000 individuals have been evacuated from affected regions, as heavy downpours have caused severe disruptions across Gujarat, including flooding numerous low-lying areas. 

Red Alert for Saurashtra and Kutch Regions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Gujarat due to ongoing heavy rainfall.  Additionally, a red alert has been declared for the Saurashtra and Kutch regions, where intense rainfall in recent days has led to widespread waterlogging and a flood-like situation.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations.

The IMD forecasts continued heavy rainfall in isolated areas of north Gujarat on August 28 and 29. Saurashtra and Kutch are expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall until August 30, while South Gujarat is likely to see heavy rain until August 31.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Reviews Situation

On Tuesday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a video conference from the state emergency operations center in Gandhinagar to assess and coordinate relief and rescue efforts.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel wrote on social media platform X, "PM Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with me regarding the heavy rain situation in Gujarat and got details of the relief and rescue operations.  He provided guidance on the protection of lives and livestock of citizens. Also, Gujarat was assured of providing all necessary support and assistance from the Central Government. The Prime Minister is constantly monitoring the situation by worrying about Gujarat. He has a deep affection in his heart for the people of Gujarat.  During natural calamities and whenever needed, they always stand by Gujarat and the people of Gujarat, providing warmth and invaluable guidance."

According to the state relief department, seven persons lost their lives in rain-related incidents on Monday. Two persons died in wall collapse incidents at Kalol taluka in Gandhinagar, while one each died due to wall collapse in Kheda and Vadodara districts. One person died after a tree fell on him in Petlad village and two others drowned at Isarwada and Siswa villages in Anand district.

Moreover, the bodies of three persons — who were among the eight reported missing on Sunday night after the tractor-trailer they were travelling in was washed away in a flooded stream at Dhavana village in Morbi — were found on Tuesday, Morbi Collector K B Zaveri said.