Gujarat is grappling with severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall, causing widespread damage and claiming 35 lives. The relentless downpour has led to a series of unfortunate incidents, including the collapse of a road leading to the iconic Statue of Unity, a major tourist attraction.
The road near Rajvi Crossing on Dabhoi Road, which was constructed only months ago, has developed significant cracks and has been closed to prevent accidents. Locals have voiced concerns over the recent construction quality. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat, predicting extremely heavy rainfall on Friday.
The state’s rivers and reservoirs are overflowing, exacerbating the flooding situation. Water released from the Ajwa and Pratappura reservoirs has led to waterlogging in low-lying areas near the Vishwamitri River.
In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to assess the situation and offer support. The Prime Minister expressed concern over the flooding in Vadodara, specifically the Vishwamitri River, and sought detailed information on relief efforts for the affected population. He also provided guidance on sanitation, public health measures, and the restoration of normal life in the flood-affected areas.
The state government has mobilized rescue operations, with over 8,500 people evacuated from flood-affected regions. The IMD has cautioned residents about continued rainfall in the coming days, raising concerns about further damage and potential for more casualties.
