Heavy Rains Lash Gujarat; Relief And Rescue Operations In Full Swing
Torrential rains have battered Gujarat over the past 48 hours, causing severe waterlogging and flash flood-like conditions in several districts, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Navsari and Valsad. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a high-level review meeting in Gandhinagar late last night to assess the flood situation and review relief operations.
Extensive relief and rescue operations are underway in the affected districts, with teams of the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Fire and Emergency Services deployed on the ground. More than 38,000 people have been shifted to safer locations in the affected districts.
In view of the prevailing situation, all schools and colleges will remain closed today in the rain-affected districts, including Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy rainfall and issued a Red Alert for three districts and an Orange Alert for nearly 13 other districts across the state. The state administration has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official advisories.
