Gujarat is grappling with a severe flood crisis as incessant rainfall has led to 28 fatalities and the evacuation of 17,800 people. The floodwaters have wreaked havoc across various regions, with rivers overflowing and dams reaching critical levels. Authorities have intensified rescue and relief operations as more rains are forecasted, threatening further damage to lives, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The ongoing flood crisis in Gujarat has claimed 28 lives as of August 29, 2024, with heavy rain triggering widespread destruction. Over 17,800 people have been evacuated due to the persistent downpours and resultant waterlogging. The state continues to face a flood-like situation, with rivers and dams overflowing, leaving large parts of the region submerged.
According to Gujarat health minister Rushikesh Patel, the state has taken swift action, evacuating 17,800 people from flood-affected regions. Rescue teams have saved over 12,000 individuals, and more than 5,000 people have been provided with rehabilitation as of August 28. The worst-hit areas include Vadodara, Rajkot, and parts of Saurashtra, which are struggling with severe water accumulation.
In Jamnagar, the Ranjit Sagar Dam overflowed as water levels rose to 29 feet after days of unrelenting rainfall. Across Gujarat, 140 reservoirs and dams have surpassed their danger levels, and 24 rivers are flowing above the danger mark. This has prompted the government to issue high alerts for 122 of the state’s 206 dams, indicating potential overflow and further flooding if the rains continue.
As the rains continue to lash Gujarat, rescue operations have intensified in severely affected districts like Devbhumi Dwarka. On August 29, an Indian Air Force helicopter conducted a successful rescue mission, airlifting four individuals from the flood-ravaged Kalyanpur tehsil. The district experienced between 50mm and 200mm of rainfall in just 12 hours on Wednesday, causing widespread inundation.
Several districts in the Saurashtra region, including Rajkot and Bhavnagar, have also reported heavy rainfall, with continuous downpours resulting in flooding in both urban and rural areas. Schools have been closed, and authorities have issued warnings to residents to stay indoors. Emergency services are on high alert, coordinating rescue operations and ensuring safe evacuation from vulnerable areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on August 29, expressing concern over the flood situation. During a phone call, Modi assured the state government that the central government would provide all necessary assistance to ensure the safety of the people. The prime minister emphasized the importance of timely rescue operations and pledged support for ongoing relief efforts, including the supply of essential goods to affected regions.
In addition to government action, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also stepped in to provide aid to flood victims. Relief camps have been set up across the state, providing shelter, food, and medical care to those displaced by the floods. Emergency medical teams have been deployed to ensure the health and safety of evacuees, and efforts are underway to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
The floods have severely impacted infrastructure across Gujarat, with roads, bridges, and power lines damaged by the continuous rainfall. Many rural areas remain cut off from the rest of the state, complicating rescue and relief efforts. Agricultural lands have also been submerged, raising concerns about crop damage and the long-term impact on the state's economy. Farmers are particularly vulnerable, as many rely on seasonal crops that have now been destroyed by the floods.
Weather agencies have forecast continued heavy rainfall in Gujarat for the next few days, which may exacerbate the current flood situation. Districts in Saurashtra, Kutch, and South Gujarat are expected to bear the brunt of the upcoming rains, prompting authorities to remain on high alert. The government has urged residents to stay cautious, avoid traveling to low-lying areas, and follow all safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
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