Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Reviews Relief Efforts in Devbhumi Dwarka After Heavy Rainfall

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], August 29: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited Devbhumi Dwarka district to check on the relief efforts after heavy rainfall. The town of Khambhaliya recorded the highest rainfall in the state over the past five days, with 944 mm of rain.

In Khambhaliya, the Chief Minister gathered information about the impact of the rainfall and guided the relief operations supported by the NDRF, SDRF, Army, and Coast Guard. He visited the affected areas of Ramnagar and Kanzar Checkpost, inquired about the residents’ well-being, and reviewed the arrangements for those affected.

A review meeting was held at the Dwarka Collector’s office with Chief Secretary Raj Kumar. The Chief Minister received detailed updates on the damages, evacuations, and rescue operations in the district. He directed efforts to focus on clearing water, debris, and soil, and mobilizing resources from other districts if needed for cleaning and disinfecting. He emphasized the need to prioritize cleanliness and hygiene in the affected areas.

He also highlighted the importance of addressing health concerns by deploying medical teams, health workers, ambulances, and mobile dispensaries to ensure residents’ well-being and prevent disease outbreaks. The Chief Minister stated that the focus should now be on restoring normalcy as quickly as possible and helping people recover from the damages.

The District Collector briefed the Chief Minister on the current situation and the rescue and relief measures undertaken by the administration. According to the information provided, 130 people have been rescued in Devbhumi Dwarka district with the help of NDRF, the Coast Guard, and local authorities. Additionally, 1,596 people have been relocated to safer places, and over 12,000 food packets have been distributed in the affected and relocated areas.

The Chief Minister was informed about the damage caused by heavy rainfall in Devbhumi Dwarka district, including damage to homes, loss of livestock, and human casualties. It was reported that 8 houses and huts were damaged, 25 animals died, one person died, and two others were injured.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need to start relief operations immediately after the rain stops, focusing on the distribution of assistance such as cash for household items, compensation for deaths, and other relief measures as per the guidelines. In Devbhumi Dwarka, 272 electricity poles were damaged, affecting 109 villages. The Chief Minister directed authorities to restore power promptly and repair around 40 roads that were closed due to the damage, ensuring that vehicular movement resumed quickly.

The review meeting was attended by Minister-in-Charge Mulubhai Bera, Member of Parliament Poonamben Madam, local MLAs, officials, In-Charge Secretary M.A. Pandya, and other dignitaries.