Gujarat Rains: 17K evacuated, 8 missing in Morbi

Gandhinagar : As Gujarat continues to face relentless monsoon rains, the state has already received 89 percent of its seasonal rainfall. Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey provided updates on the situation, revealing that 17 people had been stranded in Morbi, with 8 still missing. The state’s emergency response teams remain on high alert as they prepare for the forecast of 8 to 10 inches of rainfall in the next 24 to 48 hours.

According to Pandey, 470 panchayat roads have been closed due to heavy rains, and 17,827 residents have been evacuated from vulnerable areas across the state. Additionally, 10 state highways have been rendered impassable, further complicating rescue efforts. Despite the challenges, Pandey reassured the public that the authorities are well-prepared to handle the situation, with extensive plans in place to mitigate the impact of the heavy downpours.

In the last 24 hours alone, over 100 people were evacuated, while 3 lives were tragically lost to the storm. Navsari, Dang, and Tapi districts have borne the brunt of the rainfall, experiencing the highest precipitation levels. So far, 1,653 individuals have been successfully rescued during this monsoon season.

To address the ongoing crisis, 22 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed throughout the state. Precautionary measures have also been taken to stop traffic on all water-logged roads, ensuring the safety of commuters and minimizing the risk of accidents.

Since the beginning of the monsoon season, a total of 99 people have lost their lives, underscoring the severe impact of the heavy rains on Gujarat’s population.

The Meteorological Department has issued a dire warning for Gujarat, anticipating heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next five days. This forecast comes amidst the festive fervour of Janmashtami, celebrated across the state on Monday amidst joy and devotion.

Several districts, including Amreli, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Navsari, Valsad, and the Union Territory of Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli, have been placed under a red alert by the Meteorological Department. The alert follows the emergence of three active weather systems impacting the region.

Currently, a monsoon trough stretching over Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is expected to bring rainfall to parts of North Gujarat. Meanwhile, an offshore trough is forecasted to cause heavy to very heavy rains in South Gujarat. Additionally, a low-pressure system originating from the Bay of Bengal, now a depression, is anticipated to move towards Northeast Gujarat and South Rajasthan by the 27th of August.

In response to the forecast, Chief Secretary Rajkumar chaired a review meeting at the State Emergency Operation Center to assess the state government’s readiness. District Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, and other officials were urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against potential dangers.

Chief Minister  Bhupendra Patel held telephonic conversations with seven additional district collectors to review the rain situation in their districts. The Chief Minister contacted the collectors of Morbi, Kutch, Rajkot, Surendranagar, and Bhavnagar in the Saurashtra region, along with Bharuch and Dang in South Gujarat. 

The Chief Minister instructed them to remain vigilant, closely monitor the rainfall situation, implement effective disaster management, and ensure the safety of people and livestock. The Chief Minister also urged the district collectors to stay prepared due to the Indian Meteorological Department’s forecast of heavy rainfall in the state over the coming days.

Ahead of Janmashtami, an orange alert has been issued for the entire state, with expectations of very heavy rainfall, particularly affecting Rajkot city during the festivities. The ongoing Lok Mela in some areas has already experienced disruptions due to incessant rainfall, underscoring the gravity of the weather predictions.

Ramashray Yadav, a scientist at the Meteorological Department, has outlined the specifics for Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, highlighting a prolonged period of heavy rainfall. Gandhinagar, in particular, faces an orange alert for the next three days alongside the state-wide advisory for Janmashtami. Coastal areas of South Gujarat and Saurashtra have been placed under a red alert due to the possibility of extreme weather conditions.

In anticipation of rough seas, fishermen have been advised to refrain from venturing into the waters for the next five days to ensure their safety.

As Gujarat braces for inclement weather, authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation closely. The public is advised to stay updated with official announcements and adhere to safety guidelines during this period of heightened weather activity.