• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Gujarat Rains: Vadodara city in Gujarat remains heavily flooded for a second consecutive day, prompting the state government to call in the Army for relief and rescue operations, describing the situation as "alarming." Health Minister and government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel stated that some areas of the city are submerged under 10 to 12 feet of water. Patel also visited flood-affected areas in Vadodara to take stock of the situation.

ALSO READ: Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder: IMA Suspends RG Kar Ex-Principal Sandip Ghosh's Membership

The Vishwamitri River, which runs through Vadodara, surpassed the danger level of 25 feet on Tuesday morning due to heavy rainfall and water release from the Ajwa Dam. Following a review meeting with senior officials, Patel noted that the water level of Ajwa Dam is currently 213.8 feet. To prevent further inflow into the Vishwamitri, the dam gates have been closed. However, the river continues to flow at 37 feet, well above the danger mark, causing severe flooding in many parts of the city.

Currently, four Army columns are actively involved in relief and rescue efforts in the city. Patel also mentioned that the state government is exploring a long-term solution to divert floodwaters into the Narmada canal instead of allowing it to flow into the Vishwamitri River.

"The situation is alarming in Vadodara because many areas on both sides of the river are still under 10 to 12 feet of water. Some areas are under four to five feet of water," Patel stated. He added that the local administration has relocated over 5,000 residents to safer locations and rescued nearly 1,200 stranded individuals.

In addition to existing teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and an Army column already deployed in the city, three more Army columns and one additional team each from NDRF and SDRF have been brought in to assist with evacuations and distribute food packets.

The worst-affected areas include Siddharth Nagar, Akota, Harni-Sama road, Fatehgunj, Munjmahuda, and Vadsar. Additional boats have been dispatched to speed up relief operations. "Such a situation has arisen after nearly 20 years. The Vishwamitri gets water from Ajwa, Pratappura and three other non-gated reservoirs. As a long-term solution to flooding, we are considering diverting the dam water into Narmada canal instead of releasing it into Vishwamitri. The plan has been discussed with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel," he said.

Across Gujarat, rain-related incidents over the past two days have resulted in 16 fatalities and the evacuation of thousands.