Gujarat: NDRF Steps In As Heavy Rains Swell Narmada River, 280 Evacuated In Bharuch. IMD Sounds Red Alert

Gujarat Rains: Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in Valsad, Ahmedabad, and Kachchh. The Sardar Sarovar Dam has released water into the Narmada River, causing water levels to rise near Bharuch.

Gujarat Rains: Heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding across various regions of Gujarat, with Valsad, Ahmedabad, and Kachchh being the worst affected. The relentless downpour has led to waterlogging in multiple areas, prompting the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to step in for relief and rescue operations. The situation has escalated in Bharuch, where nearly 4 lakh cusecs of water were released into the Narmada river from the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

As a result, 280 people residing in low-lying areas were shifted to safer locations, news agency PTI reported. The water release followed a significant inflow from the Omkareshwar dam in Madhya Pradesh, causing the Sardar Sarovar's water level to reach 135.20 metres, just 3.48 metres below its full capacity of 138.68 metres, according to a state government release.

The release also mentioned that of the dam's 30 gates, 23 have been opened to a height of 2.2 metres, allowing the discharge of 3.95 lakh cusecs of water into the Narmada River. The river is now flowing just below the danger level of 24 feet near Bharuch town.

In Valsad, water has inundated homes, creating a flood-like situation.

The NDRF teams have been actively involved in rescue operations, including the successful evacuation of a pregnant woman to safety.

Ahmedabad has also been severely affected, with visuals from the Narayanpur area showing people and vehicles wading through waterlogged streets.

Similarly, Kachchh has witnessed heavy rain, resulting in extensive waterlogging.

The swelling of the Kim River caused inundation in fields in the Surat and Bharuch districts of Gujarat affecting the farmers.

According to PTI, Bharuch Collector Tushar Sumera stated, "Heavy rains have lashed Bharuch in the last two to three days, and the showers will continue for the next two days. Moreover, nearly 4 lakh cusecs of water were released in Narmada, and it touched the danger level of 24 feet at the Golden Bridge in the afternoon. Luckily, the water level has come under that mark within an hour."

As a precautionary measure, the authorities shifted 280 people living near the riverbank in Bharuch town to safer places. Sumera added, "We will allow them to return home once the water level is below 22 feet. We have deployed our teams in each taluka to monitor the situation and take necessary action."

In the neighbouring Narmada district, residents of 28 villages in the Nandod, Garudeshwar, and Tilakwada talukas have been advised to avoid going near the riverbank due to the rising water levels, the release further stated.

IMD Forecasts Red Alert For Heavy To Extremely Heavy Rainfall Across Gujarat

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra, Goa, and adjoining states following the intensification of a depression over northwest Madhya Pradesh and east Rajasthan. The depression, which has evolved into a deep depression, is expected to bring severe weather conditions over the next few days.

As of 11:30 pm on August 25, the deep depression was located approximately 70 km south-southeast of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. The IMD forecasts that the system will move west-southwest, impacting South Rajasthan, Gujarat, Saurashtra, Kutch, and parts of Pakistan by August 29.

Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast from August 26 to 29 in Gujarat's Saurashtra and Kutch regions.

Rough to very rough sea conditions are expected off the coasts of Gujarat, Pakistan, and north Maharashtra until August 30.

Fisherfolk are advised to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, particularly around the coasts of Gujarat, Pakistan, and Maharashtra, until August 30. Small ships and exploration and production operators should closely monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions.

Residents are urged to avoid areas prone to waterlogging, check traffic advisories before travelling, and ensure proper drainage in fields to support crops.

Potential localised flooding, road closures, and waterlogging are expected, especially in urban areas. There is also a risk of landslides and damage to horticultural crops due to inundation in the affected regions.