A dramatic rescue operation unfolded in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district, where a tourist bus carrying 37 passengers, including 29 from Tamil Nadu, became stranded on a flooded road during torrential rains. The incident occurred near Koliyak village, where the bus attempted to cross a submerged causeway despite the rising floodwaters. Unfortunately, the force of the water caused the front of the bus to dip into the river, while the rear remained stuck on the raised path.
District collector RK Mehta explained that rescuers arrived in a mini-truck and bravely helped transfer passengers, the driver, and the cleaner from the bus through its rear window. However, the mini-truck also became stranded shortly after the rescue, highlighting the perilous conditions. A larger truck was then deployed to complete the operation, and all 37 passengers were safely transported to higher ground. The rescue operation took nearly eight hours, with the passengers finally reaching safety by 3 AM.
The rescued passengers were provided with accommodation, food, and medical check-ups in Bhavnagar. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Gujarat, predicting extremely heavy rainfall in the coming days. The weather bulletin warned of continued heavy rainfall over the region, including Saurashtra and Kutch, indicating a heightened risk of flooding and disruptions.
The IMD also forecasted rainfall in several parts of Rajasthan from September 27, with the wet weather expected to last until September 29. Light to moderate showers, along with thunderstorms, are predicted in regions like Udaipur, Kota, Jaipur, Ajmer, Bharatpur, and Jodhpur. Residents in these areas are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid any potential hazards.
Meanwhile, Sikkim has experienced heavy rainfall over the past three days, leading to multiple landslides and major damage to the old Rang-Rang bridge, a key route to the northern part of the state. The heavy rain in Odisha, triggered by a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, is expected to persist until Friday, disrupting normal life in many areas. Authorities in Puri district have closed all schools to ensure the safety of students, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
