'Stop Public From Going Near Rivers': Gujarat CM Instructs Officials As State Witness Intense Rains

Gandhinagar: As the state continues to receive heavy rainfall, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a high-level meeting regarding the rescue and evacuation efforts at the State Emergency Operation Center in Gandhinagar. 

"He instructed the Collectors that special vigilance should be taken so that no one should cross or enter the river channels or roads when the rainwater is flowing in large quantities and dangerously and if necessary with the help of the police to stop the people with strictness,' an official statement said. 

Prioritize Rescue Operations 

Gujarat CM also instructed to give priority to the matter of rescuing people trapped in water. He also got the details of evacuation operations.

"So far 17,827 people have been evacuated and 1,653 people have been rescued in the state. 13 teams of NDRF and 22 teams of SDRF have been deployed in the affected districts, which are helping in rescue and relief operations," a release said.

Earlier yesterday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also instructed officials to evacuate those people residing in low-lying areas to safe places.Valsad, Tapi, Navsari, Surat, Narmada, and Panchmahal districts of South Gujarat have been most affected by the heavy rainfall.

The Chief Minister also held a telephonic conversation with the collectors of the abovementioned rain affected districts to get the details of the entire situation. He also assured SDRF-NDRF of complete assistance from the state, according to a statement from the CMO.

(With inputs from ANI)