Gujarat is grappling with severe flooding caused by relentless heavy rainfall, with the death toll rising to 28 in the past three days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red’ alert for several districts, forecasting more intense rainfall as a deep depression over Saurashtra and Kachchh moves towards the northeast Arabian Sea, reported The Hindustan Times.
The IMD has warned of extremely heavy showers in 12 districts, including Kachchh, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Rajkot. On Wednesday, areas in Saurashtra received between 50mm and 200mm of rain, with Bhanvad taluka in Devbhoomi Dwarka experiencing the highest rainfall of 185mm in just 12 hours.
The state has mobilised six army contingents, alongside 14 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 22 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, to assist with rescue and relief efforts. So far, about 40,000 people have been evacuated, and 95 individuals have been rescued from flood-affected areas.
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel reported that over 5,000 people have been rehabilitated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured support to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, providing guidance on managing the crisis and committing to all necessary assistance.
The IMD’s forecast indicates that the deep depression will continue to impact the region, with potential temporary intensification expected as it moves over the northeast Arabian Sea. The state government is focusing on providing essential supplies and restoring power in affected districts as it prioritises relief operations.
