Tragedy Strikes as Building Collapse Claims Lives in Gujarat’s Dwarka; Rescue Efforts Ongoing

Ahmedabad July 24 2024 : A devastating incident unfolded in Gagwani Fali locality of Jam Khambhalia town, Devbhumi Dwarka district, as a three-storey building collapsed amid relentless rainfall in Saurashtra. Tragically, an elderly woman and her two granddaughters lost their lives in the catastrophe on Tuesday evening.

Rescue operations, which spanned nearly six hours into the night, led to the recovery of the bodies of the victims, identified as Kesharben Kanjaria (65), Pritiben Kanjaria (15), and Payalben Kanjaria (18). The collapse also trapped five others under debris, who were fortunately rescued by local residents.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and fire departments worked tirelessly to clear the wreckage caused by the building’s collapse, which occurred due to the severe downpour inundating the region.

Authorities have transferred the deceased to a government hospital for post-mortem examinations. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall has persisted across Saurashtra and south Gujarat, leading to flooding in low-lying areas and prompting administrations to issue advisories cautioning against unnecessary travel and crossing overflowing causeways.

In response to the extreme weather conditions, educational institutions in Navsari district have been instructed to remain closed on Wednesday. The situation remains critical as districts such as Surat, Junagadh, Kutch, Dangs, and Tapi continue to grapple with the deluge, exacerbating concerns over safety and infrastructure stability.

The incident in Jam Khambhalia underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance and preventive measures amid the ongoing monsoon season.