Gujarat, August 27 2024 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Gujarat under a red alert as the state continues to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, with predictions indicating that the downpour will persist over the next two to three days. The severe weather is attributed to a deep depression moving from east Rajasthan toward the Saurashtra region. On Monday, Baroda recorded the highest rainfall in Gujarat, with a staggering 26 cm, while Ahmedabad received 10 cm. Over the past 24 hours, 244 talukas across 33 districts have reported rainfall, averaging 63.36 mm statewide. The relentless rain has led to widespread waterlogging, displacing hundreds of residents from their homes.
In response to the escalating situation, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a high-level meeting at the State Emergency Operation Center in Gandhinagar to evaluate the impact of the floods. So far, 17,827 people have been evacuated, and 1,653 individuals have been rescued.. The state has mobilized 13 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 22 teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to conduct relief operations across the affected areas. As a precautionary measure, all primary schools in Gujarat will remain closed on Tuesday due to the severe waterlogging.
A tragic incident occurred in Morbi district’s Halvad taluka, where seven people were swept away in a trolley tractor. Despite a joint search operation by the NDRF and SDRF, the individuals have been missing for over 20 hours. Additionally, approximately 280 people were relocated from low-lying areas in Bharuch after nearly 4 lakh cusecs of water were released into the Narmada River from the Sardar Sarovar Dam, causing the river to rise above the danger level.
Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, Mumbai is experiencing generally cloudy skies with moderate rainfall, bringing some relief from the sweltering heat. The IMD forecasts overcast conditions for the remainder of the week, with temperatures expected to range between 25 to 33 degrees Celsius. Residents of Mumbai are advised to prepare for consistent rain and cooler weather in the coming days. Fishermen have been cautioned to stay away from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal until August 30, particularly along the coasts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Pakistan. Small vessels and exploration operators are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions in response to the adverse weather conditions. The public is urged to avoid waterlogged areas, check traffic updates before traveling, and take steps to protect crops from the heavy rains by ensuring adequate drainage in fields.
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