Gujarat has been grappling with the aftermath of heavy rainfall over the past two days, resulting in widespread flooding and displacement of hundreds of people. The relentless downpour has led to rising water levels in the Sant Sarovar Dam in Gandhinagar, submerging low-lying areas and uprooting numerous trees.
The impact of the rains has been particularly severe in the South Gujarat districts of Valsad, Tapi, Navsari, Surat, Narmada, and Panchmahal, according to the chief minister’s office. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday, assuring them of the central government’s full support in addressing the crisis.
“Due to the heavy rains causing flood-like conditions in some areas of Gujarat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Chief Minister and Home Minister of Gujarat and assured them of any assistance needed from the central government,” an official source told ANI.
On Sunday, the Gujarat chief minister instructed state officials to initiate evacuation procedures, relocating people from vulnerable areas to safer locations. However, a tragic incident occurred in Morbi on Sunday night, where a tractor’s trolley overturned near Dhavana village while attempting to cross a flooded causeway. The accident resulted in the drowning of 17 people.
A search and rescue operation was launched immediately, leading to the rescue of 10 individuals, while 7 remain missing. Morbi Collector KB Jhaveri stated on Monday, “Due to heavy rains today, a lot of water was flowing from the causeway. A tractor was passing through that causeway, and the attached trolley overturned due to the force of water. Around 17 people traveling were drowned. Our Block Development Officer, Tehsildar, Chief Officer Municipality, SP and myself arrived here. We called our State Disaster Relief Force. Till now, we have saved the lives of 10 people. We are trying our best to save the rest of the people.”
The relentless rainfall and the resulting floods have presented a significant challenge for the state of Gujarat. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the focus on locating the missing individuals and providing aid to those affected by the disaster. The central government has pledged its full support to the state in its recovery efforts.
