• Source:JND
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Gujarat is facing severe flood-like conditions as heavy rains continue to batter the state, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more downpours for Thursday. The IMD issued a red alert for several districts, predicting extremely heavy to exceptional rain in the Saurashtra-Kutch region, which includes Surendranagar, Rajkot and Jamnagar. An orange alert has been issued for districts like Patan, Ahmedabad and Surat, while a yellow alert is in place for regions including Banaskantha, Mehsana and Gandhinagar, warning of isolated heavy rains.

The meteorological department stated that a deep depression centred 50 km north-northwest of Bhuj is expected to intensify as it moves toward the northeast Arabian Sea, resulting in heavy downpours. This has raised concerns about further heavy rainfall across the already inundated state. 

Over the past two days, the incessant rain claimed 16 lives, with authorities working to manage the crisis through extensive relief and rescue operations. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard have all been deployed to assist in the efforts. As the situation escalates, around 8,500 people have been relocated from flood-affected areas. 

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Gujarat reportedly received 105 per cent of its average annual rainfall with this latest spell, exacerbating the flood situation. Vadodara is among the worst-hit cities, with the Vishwamitri River swelling to 37 feet, far above the danger mark after heavy rains and the release of water from the Ajwa dam. The city has been submerged under several feet of water for two consecutive days, with some areas reportedly waterlogged by up to 12 feet. 

In addition to the severe flooding, the heavy rain caused significant disruptions to transportation across the state. Roads and railway lines have been submerged, leading to the cancellation of eight trains, including the Mumbai-bound Vande Bharat Express and the partial cancellation of 10 others, according to the Western Railway.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modiji had a telephonic conversation with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel about the heavy rain situation in Gujarat and got details of the relief and rescue operations. CM Bhupendra Patel stated that the prime minister assured the state of all necessary support from the central government and has been closely monitoring the situation.