As the situation in parts of Gujarat worsened following a heavy downpour, state chief minister Bhupendra Patel conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas on Tuesday. There have been flood-like situations, especially in the areas of Central and South Gujarat.
The CM visited rain-affected areas of Bodeli, Rajpipla, Navsari, and Chhota Udepur.
During this, the chief minister took the details on the spot and gave necessary guidance to the district administration.
Flood-like situation:
The Meteorological Department predicted light to moderate rainfall in the entire state for the next five days. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected in many districts of South Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch.
Red alert:
State Revenue Minister Rajendrabhai Trivedi earlier in the day reviewed the rain situation in Gandhinagar. Meanwhile, a red alert has been declared in parts of Gujarat, including Rajkot, Jamnagar and Kutch
63 killed due to rain:
As many as 63 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Gujarat since June 1, of these maximum 33 died due to lightning strikes.
At least eight were killed due to wall collapses, drownings (16), fall of trees (5) and power pole collapse (1), the state Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Rajendra Trivedi said on Monday.
"For the next 5 days, light to moderate rainfall is expected in the entire state. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected in many districts of South Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch. The intensity of rainfall will reduce by July 15," said Dr Manorama Mohanty, Director, Meteorological Department.
Trains cancelled:
According to the Western Railway, at least 10 trains were cancelled - eight fully, on Tuesday. Trains in the Vadodara division were affected after tracks between Dabhoi and Ekta Nagar stations were washed out, the statement added.
NDRF deployment:
Gujarat administration, State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are engaged in providing quick help to the affected people.
More than 9,000 people have been relocated and 468 have been rescued. Further efforts are ongoing.
According to the State Revenue Minister, 27,896 civilians have already been relocated to safer areas within the state. Of those, 9671 people have returned home after the water receded, while 18,225 people are still staying in shelters.
Centre's support:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday assured all possible help to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel as heavy rains caused flood-like situations in the state's various areas. In a telephonic conversation with Gujarat Chief Minister, the Home Minister also took stock of the situation in the state that arose due to heavy rains affecting several villages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also assured Gujarat Chief Minister to provide all necessary help, including NDRF to tackle the situation from the Centre to mitigate the sufferings of the people affected by the flood in the state.
(with ANI inputs)
