Gujarat Flood: Inundated by Rains, Now Faces Looming Cyclone Threat

Gujarat: The state of Gujarat is grappling with severe rainfall and widespread flooding, affecting areas from Ahmedabad to Vadodara and from Kutch to Dwarka. Roads have been submerged, and the situation is particularly dire in Vadodara, where many residential complexes are inundated. Amid this calamity, Gujarat faces another natural disaster as a cyclone threat looms over Kutch. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has issued directives to safeguard residents from the impending storm.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that a cyclone is likely to strike Kutch within the next 24 hours. The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify further, bringing heavy winds across the state, including Ahmedabad. On Friday, August 30, heavy rains are predicted to lash the already flood-hit Kutch region. Mandvi has recorded over 11 inches of rain, leading to significant waterlogging, while Mundra has received nearly 6 inches of rainfall.

Evacuation Orders Issued for Kutch

With the cyclone expected to make landfall soon, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the State Emergency Operations Center in Gandhinagar on Thursday night after assessing the situation in Vadodara. He reviewed the preparedness of the Kutch District Collector for the approaching cyclone. The CM has ordered immediate evacuation where necessary to protect lives, emphasizing the need for swift action during a video conference meeting with officials.

Rivers Above Danger Levels; Fishermen Advised to Stay Ashore

The IMD has issued advisories for continued heavy rainfall across Gujarat. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea for the next few days. Due to the relentless rains, 140 reservoirs, dams, and 24 rivers across the state are flowing above the danger mark. The heavy downpour has also disrupted road and rail transportation. Of the 206 dams in the state, 122 are on high alert due to rapidly rising water levels. Residents have been urged to stay away from reservoirs and rivers to avoid any mishaps.

Rainfall Alerts Issued Across Gujarat

The IMD has forecasted heavy rainfall across most parts of Gujarat on Friday, prompting alerts for several districts. An orange alert has been issued for Saurashtra, Kutch, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Dwarka, while a yellow alert is in place for Rajkot, Junagadh, Morbi, and other districts, indicating the likelihood of significant rainfall.

Additionally, districts like Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Aravalli, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Anand, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Dang, Tapi, Navsari, Valsad, and Dadra Nagar Haveli are also expected to experience heavy rain.

Death Toll Rises to 26 in Flood-Rain Related Incidents

Continuous rainfall over the past few days has wreaked havoc in several parts of Gujarat, including Dwarka district’s Kalyanpur. Rescue operations by NDRF, police, and municipal teams are ongoing, with relief camps being set up for affected residents. Twelve people were airlifted from Kalyanpur. Over the past four days, 26 people have died in rain-related incidents, and approximately 17,800 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas.

Vadodara Hit Hard by Floods

Vadodara has been one of the worst-hit areas, with floodwaters inundating parts of the city. The Avishkar Complex in Madisa Chowkdi, home to several jewelry shops, clinical laboratories, and major business offices, has been submerged, causing crores worth of damage. Despite efforts to pump out the water, the situation remains grim, and residents are struggling to cope with the aftermath. Army personnel have been deployed to assist with relief efforts in the flood-affected areas.

Rain Disrupts Operations at Kandla Port

Heavy rainfall in Ahmedabad has led to severe waterlogging, causing significant disruptions. Kutch is under a heavy rain alert, and continuous rainfall has affected operations at Kandla Port. Several areas in the district are grappling with flood conditions. In Kheda, incessant rains have created flood-like situations, while residents in Jamnagar are battling the dual challenges of rain and flooding, with many areas completely submerged.

The state authorities are working tirelessly to manage the situation, but with ongoing rains and the looming cyclone, challenges remain. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.