Tapi river in full spate after water was released from the Ukai Dam following heavy rains in Surat.
© PTITapi river in full spate after water was released from the Ukai Dam following heavy rains in Surat.
At least 15 people died, while more than 23,000 were evacuated and over 300 rescued in different districts of Gujarat as heavy showers continued to lash the coastal state.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a respite from the rain fury in the coming days as the deep depression hovering over the Saurashtra-Kachchh and north Gujarat regions is expected to move out of the affected areas by Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, to increase the pace of rescue and relief operations, the Gujarat government has sought six Indian Army columns-- one each in Dwarka, Anand, Vadodara, Kheda, Morbi, and Rajkot districts.

In addition, 14 NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) platoons and 22 of SDRF have already been deployed to support the disaster management efforts.

Earlier on Tuesday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a high-level meeting to review the relief and rescue operations.



"The Chief Minister instructed the District Collectors to take full vigilance and caution by taking the help of the police so that no one goes into the overflowed rivers, drains and lakes as a result of heavy rains. Apart from this, the Meteorological Department has specially urged the District Collectors of the coastal areas to strictly follow the warning to the fishermen not to venture into the sea," the Chief Minister's Office said in a post on X.

Patel also received the details of the Army, Air Force, NDRF and SDRF personnel who have been assisting the local administration in disaster management, including rescue operations.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also spoken to Bhupendra Patel regarding the rain situation in Gujarat and sought details of the relief and rescue operations.

In a post on X, said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with me regarding the heavy rain situation in Gujarat and got detailed details of the relief and rescue operations. He provided guidance on protection of lives and livestock of citizens. Also, Gujarat was assured of providing all necessary support and assistance from the Central Government. Hon'ble Prime Minister is constantly monitoring the situation by worrying about Gujarat. He has a deep affection in his heart for the people of Gujarat. During natural calamities and whenever needed, they always stand by Gujarat and the people of Gujarat, providing warmth and invaluable guidance."

15 PEOPLE DIE IN RAIN FURY

At least 15 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents since Monday.

According to the details shared by the Gujarat government, at least one person died in Morbi, Vadodara, Kheda, Bharuch and Ahmedabad districts. While two people died in the Gandhinagar and Mahisagar districts and six people died in Anand.

More than 12,000 people were relocated on Tuesday in Vadodara (8,361) and Panchmahals (4,000)-- the two worst affected states.

So far, more than 23,870 people have been shifted to safe places and 1,696 rescued. Those evacuated in the last two days included 1,200 in Navsari, 800 in Valsad, 200 in Bharuch, 235 in Kheda and 200 in Botad districts.

Among those who were evacuated were 75 pregnant women -- 45 in Vadodara and 30 in Devbhumi Dwarka district -- who were shifted to the nearest health centres.

RIVERS BREACH SAFETY MARK

Amid the continuous rain in Gujarat, many rivers in the state have crossed the danger mark.

In the state's Bharuch district, several low-lying areas were inundated after the Narmada river crossed the danger mark of 24 feet at Golden Bridge following the continuous inflow of dam waters from adjoining Madhya Pradesh.

Similarly, in the Vadodara district, more than 3,000 people living in low-lying areas were shifted to safer places after the Vishwamitri River crossed the danger mark of 25 feet on Tuesday morning.