Gujarat floods: More rain likely today, PM Modi calls CM
Gujarat is grappling with severe flooding due to incessant rainfall. The India Meteorological Department has issued a "red" alert for multiple areas of the state today. The weather agency has predicted that the deep depression over Saurashtra and Kachchh will intensify as it progresses toward the northeast Arabian Sea, potentially causing more heavy rainfall across the region. Despite ongoing rescue efforts and evacuations, rain-related incidents have claimed 28 lives in the past three days.
IMD predicts more heavy showers in 12 districts
The IMD has warned of extremely heavy showers in 12 districts including Kachchh, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Morbi, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Botad. Wednesday saw districts in the Saurashtra region such as Devbhoomi Dwarka and Jamnagar receiving between 50mm-200mm of rain within a 12-hour period ending at 6pm. Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district recorded the highest rainfall at 185mm during this period.
Army, NDRF, and SDRF teams deployed for rescue operations
Six contingents of the Indian Army have been deployed to support the 14 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 22 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in rescue and relief work. State Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey revealed that approximately 40,000 people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas. NDRF Inspector Manjit stated that they have rescued 95 people as flooding continues in parts of Gujarat.
Over 5,000 people rehabilitated amid rising death toll
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel has confirmed that more than 5,000 people have been rehabilitated so far. The IMD noted that the deep depression over Saurashtra and Kachchh remained practically stationary during the past six hours and about 50km north-northwest of Bhuj (Gujarat). It is expected to move west-southwest and emerge into the northeast Arabian Sea by tomorrow morning. There is a possibility of its temporary and marginal intensification over the northeast Arabian Sea on August 30.
PM Modi assures support to Gujarat CM amid flood crisis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and assured him of all possible support from the central government. "The Prime Minister provided guidance on the protection of lives and livestock of citizens. Also, Gujarat was assured of providing all necessary support and assistance from the Central Government," said CM Patel. He also reviewed the situation in the state, urging officials to prioritize relief operations for people trapped in water.
