Gujarat Floods: Eight Dead, 800 Evacuated Amid Torrential Downpour

Heavy rains caused significant flooding in Gujarat, killing eight and displacing over 800 people. Authorities deployed emergency teams to rescue those stranded. Schools were closed, and train services were disrupted. Control rooms are operational around the clock to monitor the situation.

In a grim update from Gujarat, eight people lost their lives and over 800 were evacuated due to severe flooding caused by torrential rains, officials confirmed on Wednesday. Swollen rivers and overflowing dams inundated several villages, disrupting normal life across many districts.

Authorities were forced to declare holidays for schools and colleges in heavily affected areas like Vadodara, Surat, Bharuch, and Anand. Train services also faced disruptions as heavy rains pounded southern Gujarat from early morning. Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey confirmed the deployment of 20 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and 11 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to manage the crisis.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red alert' for extreme rainfall across several districts. Control rooms are operating round-the-clock to assist stranded residents. Major dams, including the Sardar Sarovar, have seen increased water levels. Despite the challenges, rescue operations are ongoing in affected areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)