Gujarat Floods: Death Toll Rises to 16, Over 8,500 Rescued as Rains Continue

Gandhinagar: Rain-related incidents have claimed nine more lives in Gujarat, bringing the total death toll to 16 over the past two days, as heavy rains continue across the state. Officials reported that over 8,500 people have been evacuated from flood-hit regions, with rescue efforts continuing for the fourth consecutive day.

The ongoing relief operations involve the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Air Force and Coast Guard. Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to assess the situation and assure the Centre’s full support.

On Tuesday, nine people lost their lives due to rain-related incidents, including wall collapses and drowning, across different districts. This follows seven deaths on Monday in similar incidents. Among the latest casualties, three died in Anand district, two in Mahisagar, and one each in Kheda and Ahmedabad due to wall collapses, while one person each drowned in Junagadh and Bharuch.

A total of 169 individuals were rescued on Tuesday, primarily from Kheda and Morbi districts. In addition, 8,460 people were relocated to safer areas, including around 3,000 from Navsari and 1,000 each from Vadodara and Kheda. Over 15,000 people have been evacuated in total since Monday.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, in a post on X, mentioned that Prime Minister Modi is closely monitoring the situation and has provided guidance on protecting lives and livestock. The Prime Minister assured all necessary assistance from the central government.

Several districts in the Saurashtra region, particularly Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar and Rajkot, experienced heavy rainfall, with Khambhalia taluka in Devbhumi Dwarka receiving 454 mm of rain in 24 hours. Other regions also recorded significant rainfall, leading to widespread flooding and disruption.

Flooding in rivers, particularly in Vadodara’s Vishwamitri, has inundated low-lying areas, prompting ongoing rescue operations. The Army has deployed five columns in Morbi, Anand, Devbhumi Dwarka, Rajkot and Vadodara to assist in relief efforts.

According to official data, 137 reservoirs and lakes, along with 24 rivers, are currently above the danger mark, leading to flooding in several areas. The severe weather has also disrupted transportation, with eight trains, including the Mumbai-bound Vande Bharat Express, being cancelled and several others partially cancelled.

As of now, Gujarat has received 105% of its average annual rainfall, with Banaskantha district being the most rain-deficient, receiving only 73% of its average rainfall.