Morbi Tragedy: Search for Missing Continues After Tractor Accident

A search and rescue operation is ongoing to find 7 missing individuals after a tractor trolley overturned in Morbi, Gujarat, amid heavy rains. 17 people drowned and 10 were rescued so far. Authorities are receiving support from state and central governments to manage the crisis.

A search and rescue operation is underway to locate seven missing individuals after 17 people drowned when a tractor trolley overturned near Morbi's Dhavana village on Sunday night, amid heavy rains. Morbi Collector KB Jhaveri confirmed the incident on Monday and stated that 10 people have been rescued so far.

Morbi Collector KB Jhaveri explained that heavy rains in Surendranagar district caused an overflow on the causeway. He said, 'Due to the heavy rains today, a lot of water was flowing from the causeway. A tractor was passing through that causeway and the attached trolley overturned due to the force of the water. Around 17 people traveling were drowned. Our Block Development Officer, Tehsildar, Chief Officer Municipality, SP, and myself arrived here. We called our State Disaster Relief Force. Till now, we have saved the lives of 10 people. We are trying our best to save the rest of the people.'

The rescue operation is ongoing with full support from the state government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has communicated with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, offering any necessary assistance from the Central government due to the heavy rainfall in the state.

Amid flood-like conditions caused by heavy rains in Gujarat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the state of central assistance. In the wake of the heavy to very heavy rain forecast by the Meteorological Department, a review meeting was held at the State Emergency Operation Center, chaired by Chief Secretary Rajkumar on August 25. The Gujarat Chief Secretary advised various department Nodal Officers, Survey District Collectors, and Municipal Commissioners to stay vigilant through video conference.

(With inputs from agencies.)