Heavy rainfall leads to waterlogging across Gujarat| IMD issues red alert; 17,000 people rescued

Aug 27, 2024

August 27 (ANI): Heavy rainfall has devastated Gujarat and has brought the state to a standstill, causing widespread flooding and disruption. In view of the heavy downpour, Indian Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall warning till September 01. IMD has also predicted heavy to extremely heavy rain over the next 2-3 days, with the state already witnessing heavy rainfall over the past two days. In the last 24 hours, Southern districts of the state like Valsad, Surat, and Navsari have been severely affected, with over 17,000 people relocated to safer areas. Meanwhile, Sardar Sarovar Dam has been opened to discharge water, leading to warnings for villages around the Narmada river. The situation remains grim, with rainfall recorded in 244 talukas across 33 districts, averaging 63.36 mm of rain during this period. The state govt is working to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains, with the NDRF and local authorities working to rescue those affected. Over 17,000 people have been relocated to safer locations, with major evacuations in Navsari, Surat, and Vadodara districts. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also chaired a high-level meeting to coordinate relief efforts, with evacuation orders. As a precautionary measure, all primary schools in the state will remain closed on August 27, due to the heavy rain forecast