Gandhinagar: Gujarat’s flood response is entering a new phase, with rescue operations in the worst-affected parts of South Gujarat nearing completion and the state government shifting its focus to relief, restoration and preparations for fresh rainfall forecast over the coming days.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the heavy rainfall situation across the state at a high-level meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar on Friday, where officials assessed rescue efforts, restoration of essential services and preparedness for further rain.
During the meeting, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed the state government that five weather systems are currently active over Gujarat, with widespread rainfall expected over the next three to four days in Central Gujarat, North Gujarat, Ahmedabad, Surendranagar and surrounding areas.
Red, Orange and Yellow alerts have been issued for different parts of the state.
Following the forecast, Patel directed district collectors and local administrations in the affected regions to remain on high alert and ensure all necessary preparedness measures were in place.
Officials told the meeting that Gujarat has received above-normal seasonal rainfall so far this year. Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey said Valsad has already received 90.98 per cent of its 30-year seasonal average rainfall, while Navsari has recorded 95.13 per cent.
Kheda district registered the state’s highest rainfall during the previous 24 hours, with around 24 inches. “40,500 people have been evacuated to safer places since the onset of the emergency, while 6,367 people have been rescued across Gujarat,” officials said.
With rainfall intensity declining in South Gujarat, rescue operations are now close to completion.
Following the completion of rescue work in Valsad, one National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team along with 15 boats has been redeployed to Ahmedabad.
Across the state, 17 NDRF teams and 32 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams continue to assist district administrations in rescue and relief operations. In contrast, additional teams have been kept on standby to respond to any emerging situation in North Gujarat.
The government has also deployed two Army contingents each in Ahmedabad, Valsad and Navsari to support the civil administration, with four additional Army teams kept in reserve.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that attention is now turning towards relief and restoration. The state government has allocated Rs 40 crore for cash doles and household assistance for people affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.
Distribution has already begun in Valsad and will start in Navsari once floodwaters recede. Restoration work is also progressing on damaged infrastructure.
Of the roads affected by heavy rainfall, 365 have already been restored. Around 1,500 personnel, supported by 225 JCB excavators and more than 1,500 machines, are working to reopen road links.
A Chief Engineer and an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) have been assigned to oversee restoration work in Surat, Valsad and Navsari. At the same time, six teams of design experts have also been deployed. Power restoration is continuing across flood-hit areas.
According to the Principal Secretary of the Energy Department, 350 teams and more than 1,000 power department personnel are working to restore electricity supply disrupted by waterlogging at substations and other rain-related damage.
He said electricity supply in most affected villages is expected to be restored by late Friday night.
Patel also directed officials to undertake an extensive cleanliness drive after floodwaters recede to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
Chief Secretary M. K. Das instructed district administrations in areas where heavy rainfall has been forecast to remain fully prepared and to regularly disseminate timely information through social media and other communication channels to prevent unnecessary fear among the public.
The review meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue Department) Dr Jayanti Ravi, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd Chairman Mukesh Puri, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Vikrant Pandey, Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, principal secretaries of the concerned departments, and senior officials of the NDRF and the Army.
(IANS)
