Gujarat is experiencing catastrophic flooding as a result of persistent rains. The Indian Meteorological Department issued a “red” signal for several parts of the state today due to Gujarat floods. The weather service predicts the deep depression over Saurashtra and Kachchh will worsen as it moves towards the northeast Arabian Sea, likely delivering more heavy rains. Despite continued rescue and evacuation operations, Gujarat floods have killed 28 people in the last three days.

The IMD has released a rain warning for 12 districts, including Kachchh, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Morbi, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Botad. On Wednesday, districts in the Saurashtra region, including Devbhoomi, Dwarka, and Jamnagar, received between 50mm and 200mm of rain within a 12-hour period that ended at 6 pm. During this period, the maximum rainfall was recorded in Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district, with 185mm.

Six Indian Army contingents have been deployed to assist the 14 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 22 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in rescue and relief efforts following the Gujarat floods.

State Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey confirmed that about 40,000 people have been evacuated from flood-affected districts. NDRF Inspector Manjit claimed that 95 persons have been rescued as Gujarat floods persist. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said that around 5,000 persons had been rehabilitated till now.

The IMD said the deep depression over Saurashtra and Kachchh had remained nearly stationary for the previous six hours, roughly 50 kilometres north-northwest of Bhuj (Gujarat). It is forecast to travel west-southwest and emerge in the northeast Arabian Sea by tomorrow morning.

On August 30, it may intensify briefly and marginally over the northeast Arabian Sea. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, assuring him of the central government’s full support.

“The Prime Minister issued guidelines on protecting citizens’ lives and cattle. Gujarat was also guaranteed that the Central Government would provide all required support and assistance,” stated Chief Minister Patel.

He also evaluated the situation in the state and asked officials to prioritise relief efforts for people stranded underwater.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Patel inspected the situation in the state and asked officials to prioritise relief efforts for persons stuck underwater, particularly in Vadodara city and district, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Jamnagar districts. “The state government’s goal is to supply food packets, drinking water pouches, and medical supplies to those stuck in the flood until the water recedes. Not only are those, but the impacted districts with disrupted power supplies being restored as soon as possible,” he stated.

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