Army Rescues 12 from Narmada Island in Vadodara

Vadodara : Vadodara district in Gujarat faced a deluge as heavy rains and swelling rivers inundated several areas, causing chaos and displacing thousands of residents. The situation took a dramatic turn when 12 members of a family found themselves trapped by floodwaters on Vyas Bet, an island in the middle of the Narmada River in Karajan taluka. The Indian Army came to their rescue, deploying boats for a painstaking 24-hour rescue mission, successfully evacuating the stranded family on Monday morning.

The desperate situation on Vyas Bet required immediate intervention, but bad weather conditions rendered Air Force and Coast Guard helicopters unable to assist. In a heroic display of determination, the army mobilized boats to reach the island and conduct the rescue operation, ultimately saving the lives of the trapped family members.

Vadodara district, particularly Desar taluka, bore the brunt of the heavy rainfall, receiving up to 4 inches of rain, while Savli and Vadodara received between 2 to 3 inches. The incessant downpour wreaked havoc on normal life, causing widespread disruption and flooding in several areas.

Approximately 2,000 people residing in coastal areas were evacuated due to the swelling waters of the Narmada and Mahisagar rivers, which skirt the edge of Vadodara district. The city and district of Vadodara experienced chaos as continuous bouts of moderate to heavy rainfall persisted throughout Monday, stranding early morning commuters and severely hampering daily life.

With the situation worsening due to the river floods, the majority of schools declared a holiday. Even in schools that remained open, student attendance was minimal due to the relentless rain. The past 24 hours of heavy rainfall led to flooding in numerous village roads and transformed farmlands into vast lakes. Reports of significant crop damage, especially in villages along the Narmada River banks, have emerged, spelling financial hardship for local farmers.

The floods in the Mahisagar and Narmada rivers resulted in power supply disruptions in many villages. The power company has initiated efforts to restore electricity supply, addressing power poles that toppled in various locations. Fallen power poles are being raised and repaired in a rapid operation to ensure the resumption of power to affected areas.