PM Modi Pledges Full Support as Heavy Rains Lash Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel of full support amidst heavy rainfall. Over 20,000 people have been evacuated and extensive rescue operations are underway. Officials, including the Health Minister, are on the ground assessing the damage.

Amidst relentless rainfall that continues to impact various parts of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel of comprehensive support from the Central Government during a telephonic conversation on Wednesday. The heavy showers have necessitated the evacuation of over 20,000 residents and the rescue of more than 1,500 individuals.

Chief Minister Patel took to his social media platform, X, to share updates about his discussion with the Prime Minister. Patel noted that Modi provided valuable guidance on safeguarding lives and livestock and confirmed the Central Government's commitment to offering all necessary support.

Patel emphasized that Prime Minister Modi is diligently monitoring the situation in Gujarat, highlighting Modi's enduring concern and affection for the state's residents. The Prime Minister's continuous involvement during natural calamities underscores his dedication to the welfare of Gujarat's people, Patel remarked.

In the wake of the heavy rains, Health Minister Rishikesh Patel and Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma headed to Vadodara district to assess the situation. Assembly Speaker Balkrishna Shukla is also scheduled to hold a review meeting with local authorities, including the District Collector and Municipal Corporation Commissioner.

The persistent downpour has exacerbated a flood-like scenario in Vadodara and Morbi districts. Authorities have opened the gates of Macchu dam in Morbi district due to severe waterlogging, significantly disrupting normal life.

In Vadodara, vehicles were seen partially submerged on inundated roads, forcing residents to wade through knee-deep water. Six Army contingents have been deployed to aid the 14 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 22 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams already engaged in rescue and relief efforts.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducted a video conference from the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) in Gandhinagar to review the response to the heavy rains. The maximum number of relocations occurred in Panchmahal, while the Indian Air Force collaborated in rescue operations in Vadodara-Jamnagar.

A total of 23,871 individuals have been moved to safer areas, and 1,696 have been rescued, following the overflow of 15 rivers, 21 lakes, and reservoirs across the state due to the incessant rainfall.

(With inputs from agencies.)