New Delhi: Torrential rainfall continues unabated in Gujarat, inundating large areas of the state and creating a flood-like situation. What’s worse, it is likely that more rains will lash the state in the coming days.
It is predicted that the deep depression over Saurashtra and Kachchh, which is now centred 50 km north-northwest of Bhuj, will grow while it moves towards the northeast Arabian Sea. This will cause heavy rainfall across the region.
A red alert has been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for several districts in Gujarat, including Vadodara, Chhotaudepur, Narmada, Bharuch, and Surat, among others.
Rain-related incidents have claimed 16 lives in the last two days across the state. Thousands of people have been displaced as the state was battered by rains for the fourth consecutive day.
IMD scientist Ramashray Yadav was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times that the deep depression is moving at a speed of 12 kmph and is expected to cause “extremely heavy to exceptionally heavy” rainfall in the Saurashtra and Kachchh regions. The situation is likely to remain as it is, with heavy rainfall warnings for the next four days.
Situation in Vadodara ‘alarming’
Many parts of Vadodara have been inundated for the last two days. In some areas, the water is up to 12 feet. The Vishwamitri River flowing through the district is in spate and has risen to 37 feet after the heavy rainfall and the release of water from the Ajwa dam. Due to the flooding, the Army has been called in to carry out relief operation.
On the way from Dabhoi to Statue of Unity, a newly constructed road near Rajali Crossing was washed away. People alleged that there is corruption involved in the construction of roads. The Dev and Dhadhar rivers are in spate and are wreaking havoc in the region.
Rushikesh Patel, the state health minister, said the situation in Vadodara was “alarming”. Over 5,000 residents have been evacuated and around 1,200 stranded persons rescued by the local administration.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been pressed into service to step up the pace of the relief operations, said Patel to the news agency. Areas like Siddharth Nagar, Akota, and Fatehgunj are under water.
The government is looking at long-term solutions to reduce the flooding. It has been proposed that the water from the Ajwa Dam is diverted to the Narmada Canal, instead of letting it flow into the Viswamitri River. “The plan has been discussed with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel,” Patel reportedly said.
