Ahmedabad has been grappling with severe flooding following substantial rainfall that overwhelmed the Vaishno Devi underpass. The dramatic inundation, which has circulated widely on social media, features water cascading from the flyover’s drainage holes, reminiscent of a miniature Niagara Falls. On Monday, Gujarat experienced intense rainfall, with Baroda receiving the highest precipitation of 26 cm, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Ahmedabad recorded 10 cm, Rajkot 9 cm, Bhuj 8 cm, and other regions also saw significant rainfall, contributing to widespread waterlogging.
The IMD has issued a forecast predicting continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Gujarat for the next two to three days. This forecast prompted the State Education Minister to announce the closure of all primary schools in the state on Tuesday, aiming to mitigate the impact of the relentless weather. In Ahmedabad, the heavy rainfall has resulted in severe waterlogging across multiple areas, with both vehicles and pedestrians navigating through water levels reaching up to their knees. This has led to traffic congestion and significant disruptions throughout the city. The persistent rain has also exacerbated the flood situation in various parts of Gujarat, compelling hundreds of residents to seek refuge in safer locations.
Relief and rescue operations are underway, spearheaded by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Reports indicate that 17,827 individuals have been relocated, and 1,653 have been rescued from the most affected areas, including Valsad, where flood-like conditions have been most severe. Thirteen NDRF teams and twenty-two SDRF teams are actively engaged in these operations, focusing on the critical task of evacuating residents from low-lying areas. The Chief Minister has underscored the importance of these efforts, instructing district collectors and municipal commissioners to prioritise preventing loss of life and property.
As the city and state brace for continued adverse weather, the emphasis remains on efficient evacuation and relief efforts to address the challenges posed by the unprecedented rainfall. The ongoing situation highlights the urgent need for robust infrastructure and preparedness measures to handle extreme weather events and minimise their impact on urban life. The flood situation at the Vaishno Devi underpass underscores the broader challenges faced by Ahmedabad and Gujarat as they navigate the dual pressures of severe weather and emergency response. The effective coordination of relief operations and strategic planning will be crucial in mitigating the effects of this weather crisis and ensuring the safety and well-being of affected residents.
