AMN / WEB DESK
Home Minister Amit Shah on 23rd July 2023 assessed the flood-like situation in several regions of Gujarat caused by heavy rainfall. In a tweet, Mr. Shah stated that he had a conversation with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to get a comprehensive understanding of the on-ground situation. He also discussed the water level in the Yamuna River with Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
To provide necessary assistance to those affected, the Home Minister assured that an abundance of State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Fund teams are readily available to aid people in distress.
Heavy rain in coastal districts of Gujarat including Junagadh has led to severe water logging in low-lying areas resulting in flood-like situation.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducted a review meeting at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar late on 22nd July 2023. He directed the district administration to take necessary action.
Meanwhile, Met Department has predicted heavy rain in Gir-Somnath, Junagadh, Kutch, Porbandar, and Valsad, Navsari in South Gujarat till 24th July 2023 afternoon.
Our correspondent reports that heavy rain in Junagadh, Amreli, Ahmedabad, and Navsari on 22nd July 2023 have disrupted normal life and led to water logging at many places. Nine teams of NDRF have been deployed in the rain-affected districts in the State. Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey said so far, more than 700 people have been evacuated to safe locations in various affected districts. Around 358 people have been rescued so far in Junagadh. The train en route Junagadh and Gir somnath have been cancelled or short terminated after the water logging on the tracks. Two national highways of Porbandar and Kutch have been closed due to heavy rains. Nearly of 300 roads have been closed for traffic in view of heavy rains. Torrential rains led to rise in the water levels in all the major dams including the Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam.
Narmada dam is filled at 67 per cent while several other dams are overflowing. Ahmedabad City also witnessed heavy rain yesterday which resulted in water logging and traffic jams in the city. In view of the rising water level in the Sabarmati River, the people living in downstream of Vasana Barrage have been cautioned.