3 Workers Die of Electrocution as Red Alert Rain Triggers Flood Chaos Across Gujarat

AHMEDABAD : A devastating rain-related tragedy struck Gujarat on Friday when three labourers were electrocuted to death in Navsari district after the tempo they were travelling in accidentally came into contact with a live overhead electric wire. The incident unfolded as relentless monsoon rains battered large parts of the state, causing widespread flooding, waterlogging, and emergency rescue operations under a Red Alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The fatal accident occurred near Ganadeva village in Gandevi taluka. According to officials, the tempo carrying labourers touched a live electric wire, killing three workers on the spot.

Two seriously injured labourers were rushed to Kharel Hospital, while another critically injured victim was referred to a hospital in Surat for advanced treatment.

Soon after the incident, Gandevi Police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Union Minister C.R. Patil also left for Ganadeva to assess the situation and meet officials overseeing relief efforts.

The tragedy comes as Gujarat continues to battle intense rainfall. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, Umarpada in Surat district recorded nearly 10 inches of rainfall between 6 am and 2 pm, while more than 15 talukas received over five inches, leading to flood-like conditions.

The IMD issued a Nowcast Red Alert for Surat, Tapi, Dang, Navsari, Valsad, Bhavnagar, Anand, Kheda, Bharuch, Aravalli, and Narmada, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Floodwaters also inundated several parts of Surat after the Bhedwad creek overflowed, while major roads in Vadodara, Bharuch, and Nadiad were submerged, disrupting traffic and normal life. In Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, strong winds accompanied heavy afternoon showers.

Rescue teams remained on high alert across the state. In Naswadi of Chhota Udepur district, emergency personnel rescued a youth trapped in the swollen Ashwin River, while another person stranded on a tree in Tilakwada was safely brought to higher ground.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across Gujarat until August 2, with a Red Alert in 14 districts, Orange Alert in six districts including Rajkot and Amreli, and Yellow Alert across several parts of Saurashtra and North Gujarat.

As a precautionary measure, authorities have declared a holiday for all schools, colleges, and anganwadis in Surat district on August 1.

Officials have urged citizens to avoid flooded roads, stay away from electric poles and fallen wires, and follow weather advisories as emergency teams continue monitoring the evolving situation.