Vadodara Flood : 7 bodies recovered as water recedes

Vadodara : As floodwaters begin to recede in Vadodara, Gujarat, the grim aftermath of the torrential rains is coming to light. Over the past two days, seven dead bodies have been recovered from different parts of the city, marking a tragic chapter in the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. The discovery of these bodies underscores the severity of the flooding that has ravaged the city, leaving many missing and causing widespread devastation.

The situation is compounded by the looming threat of Cyclone ‘Asana,’ which is expected to impact the west-south region of Gujarat. An alert has been issued, and authorities are on high alert as they brace for further potential damage. With 35 people already reported dead due to the rains in the past week, the state remains on edge, fearing the worst as rescue operations continue.

On Thursday, two bodies were found in the Tarsali area and along the Harani Sama link road. The following day, five more bodies were recovered from various parts of Vadodara, including a particularly unsettling discovery near the old Fasttrack Court, now serving as the office of the Charity Commissioner. The body, found on the road leading to the office, was quickly reported to the Raopura police, who have since taken the deceased for post-mortem examination and are working to identify the individual.

In another tragic incident, Anil Ranchodbhai Padhiar and Manoj Bharatbhai Baria, residents of Nilkanth Nagar near Khiskoli Circle, were found dead after going out to buy vegetables and milk. Their bodies were discovered at Khiskoli Circle, and the Atladara police have initiated legal proceedings in connection with their deaths. Additionally, another body was found behind the Khaswadi crematorium, and yet another near Akota, with police working diligently to identify the victims.

The flooding, which began on Janmashtami due to the overflowing Vishwamitri River, has caused unprecedented water levels in areas that have never experienced such inundation. In some parts of Vadodara, water levels reached 3-4 feet, causing immense damage and displacement. As the waters recede, more bodies are likely to be found, highlighting the tragic human cost of the disaster.

In a particularly harrowing incident, a manager and a security guard lost their lives at a hospitality party plot in Vemali village near Vadodara city. The two were electrocuted while attempting to collect water from the flooded basement. The Manjusar police are handling the case and have taken the necessary steps to retrieve and identify the bodies.