Heavy Rains Displace Over 2,500 in South Gujarat

Heavy rains in South Gujarat have displaced over 2,500 people. Villages in Navsari and Tapi districts were severely affected, leading to evacuations and road closures. Medical teams were deployed, and the India Meteorological Department forecasts more rain.

More than 2,500 residents were evacuated from their homes as heavy rains inundated multiple villages in South Gujarat, officials reported on Friday.

Relocation efforts saw at least 2,200 people moved from Navsari's low-lying areas, with an additional 500 evacuated from Tapi district following 24 hours of relentless rain, authorities confirmed.

'The Purna River in Navsari district is flowing at 28 feet, significantly above the 23-feet danger mark, due to torrential rains in the area and its upstream basin,' stated Navsari collector Kshipra Agre.

In Navsari, 2,200 residents were relocated to shelters, where 15 medical teams were deployed to assist, she added. Meanwhile, in Tapi district, 500 individuals from Valod taluka were also moved to safety.

Intense flooding led to the closure of 70 internal roads and four main roads in the affected regions, posing severe challenges for vehicular movement.

According to the district disaster management cell, numerous villages in Valod, Vyara, Dolvan, and Songadh talukas faced significant waterlogging, leading to the shutdown of 113 internal roads.

Data from the State Emergency Operations Centre revealed substantial rainfall across the region: 173 mm in Dolvan, 164 mm in Subir, 160 mm in Navsari taluka, and various other measurements in surrounding areas.

The India Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy to very heavy rains in parts of South Gujarat on Friday and Saturday, urging continued vigilance.

(With inputs from agencies.)