Heavy Rain Causes Severe Waterlogging in Gujarat
Schools Closed, Rescue Operations Underway
Many parts of Gujarat experienced heavy rainfall on Monday, with Baroda receiving the highest amount at 26 cm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). From 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, Baroda received 26 cm, Ahmedabad 10 cm, Rajkot 9 cm, Bhuj 8 cm, Naliya 5 cm, Dwarka and Okha 3 cm each, and Porbandar 2 cm.
Several areas of Ahmedabad witnessed severe waterlogging, causing people and vehicles to wade through knee-deep waters and leading to traffic snarls. Due to the heavy rain, all primary schools in the state will remain closed on Tuesday, as announced by State Education Minister Praful Pansheriya.
The IMD predicted that Gujarat would experience heavy to extremely heavy rain over the next 2-3 days. The continuous rainfall has led to parts of Gujarat being inundated, displacing hundreds of residents to safer locations. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been conducting relief and rescue operations in Valsad, where flood-like situations have arisen. An NDRF team rescued a pregnant woman in Valsad.
NDRF inspector Ramesh Kumar said, “The water level increased in the morning, causing water to enter the Hanuman Bhagda and Valsad area, disrupting road connectivity. We rescued a pregnant woman and are distributing food and relief material.”
Meanwhile, the water level of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada has risen due to continuous rains. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a high-level meeting at the State Emergency Operation Center in Gandhinagar to assess the impact of the heavy rains. He held a video conference with collectors, municipal commissioners, and district officials of the rain-affected districts to gather details.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Patel urged for the safe evacuation of people from low-lying areas and instructed District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners to prioritize preventing the loss of life and livestock. He emphasized that special vigilance should be taken to ensure no one crosses or enters river channels or roads when rainwater is flowing dangerously, and police should be deployed if necessary.
So far, 17,827 people have been evacuated, and 1,653 people have been rescued in the state. Thirteen NDRF teams and twenty-two SDRF teams have been deployed in the affected districts, assisting in rescue and relief operations.
Doubts Revealed
Gujarat -: Gujarat is a state in western India. It is known for its rich culture, history, and beautiful landscapes.
Waterlogging -: Waterlogging happens when there is so much rain that the water can’t drain away, causing streets and areas to get flooded.
Ahmedabad -: Ahmedabad is a big city in Gujarat. It is known for its historical sites and is an important economic and industrial hub.
Baroda -: Baroda, also known as Vadodara, is another major city in Gujarat. It received the highest rainfall in this event.
26 cm -: 26 cm is a measurement of rainfall. It means that 26 centimeters of rain fell in a certain period, which is a lot of rain.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) -: The NDRF is a special team in India that helps during natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones. They rescue people and provide help.
Rescue operations -: Rescue operations are efforts to save people who are in danger, like those trapped in floods or other emergencies.
Valsad -: Valsad is a district in Gujarat. It was one of the places affected by the heavy rain and flooding.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel -: Bhupendra Patel is the Chief Minister of Gujarat. A Chief Minister is like the head of the state government.
Evacuated -: Evacuated means that people were moved from dangerous areas to safer places to protect them from harm.