Maroc - POPDIARIES.COM - A La Une - 29/Aug 05:38

Gujarat's Weather Woes: 29 Fatalities and Heavy Rainfall Predicted

Gujarat, severely impacted by relentless rain and flooding, faces no immediate relief, with the meteorological department forecasting continued showers. An alert for very heavy rainfall has been issued by the Met office, extending through August 30. The India Meteorological Department has predicted extremely heavy rains in certain isolated areas of Saurashtra on Thursday. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, Gujarat has already received 105 percent of its typical annual rainfall with this latest weather event. Since the onset of the deluge on Sunday, 29 individuals have tragically lost their lives due to rain-related incidents. Approximately 18,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations to escape the rising waters. The release of water from the Ajwa and Pratappura Reservoirs into the Vishwamitri River has led to flooding downstream. This has resulted in parts of Vadodara, along with other cities and villages near the river, being submerged under 10 to 12 feet of water. Vadodara has been severely affected, with the Vishwamitri River breaching its banks and flooding residential areas, which has inundated buildings, roads, and vehicles throughout the city. An official statement revealed that 140 reservoirs and dams, as well as 24 rivers across the state, are currently flowing beyond their danger thresholds. In response to the crisis, rescue and relief operations are being conducted with the involvement of the National and State Disaster Relief Forces, along with the Army, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard. Many individuals remain stranded in flood-hit areas, grappling with hunger and exposure as they seek refuge on rooftops and under makeshift shelters. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, offering comprehensive support and assistance from the central government. State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel mentioned that the government is exploring the option of diverting floodwaters into the Narmada canal as an alternative to continuing the release into the Vishwamitri River. READ MORE -  Mamata Banerjee Threatens Nationwide Unrest: 'Burn Bengal, and Other States Including Delhi Will Follow'