Evacuations in Vadodara as Vishwamitri River Crosses Danger Mark

Nearly 3,000 residents of low-lying regions in Vadodara, Gujarat, were relocated following the Vishwamitri river surpassing the 25-feet danger mark. Relief operations are underway after substantial rainfall led to waterlogging. Teams from NDRF and SDRF are on standby for further evacuations as heavy to very heavy rains are forecasted in the area.

Nearly 3,000 people living in low-lying areas in and around Vadodara, Gujarat, were moved to safer locations after the Vishwamitri river exceeded its 25-feet danger mark, officials reported on Thursday.

Following heavy rainfall on Wednesday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel oversaw relief and rescue operations in Vadodara via videoconferencing on Thursday, according to sources. Vadodara city recorded nearly 14 inches (355 mm) of rain, resulting in widespread waterlogging, stated a government release.

Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Dilip Rana indicated that the Vishwamitri river was flowing at 29 feet, 4 feet above the danger level. "The water level is expected to recede as the rains have stopped. However, around 3,000 residents have been safely relocated as a precaution," said Rana. An NDRF team rescued 49 people stranded in knee-deep water at Vadsar village on the city outskirts.

(With inputs from agencies.)