South Gujarat Faces Torrential Rains: Hundreds Evacuated

Heavy rains over South Gujarat have prompted the evacuation of hundreds from low-lying areas in Valsad and Navsari districts. The severe downpours inundated regions and disrupted everyday life. With water levels at the Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam rising sharply, state authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance and taking necessary safety measures.

In a gripping turn of events, several hundred people were shifted to safety as torrential rains battered South Gujarat's Valsad and Navsari districts over the weekend, according to officials.

The continuous downpour spanning 48 hours has flooded low-lying areas, severely disrupting normal life and impeding traffic movement. Data from the State Emergency Operation Centre highlighted that Vapi taluka in Valsad district recorded the state's highest rainfall at 326 millimeters within a 24-hour span ending at 6 am Sunday, while Khergam in Navsari received 248 mm within the same period.

Districts such as Surat, Tapi, and Narmada have also faced significant impact. Over 600 individuals from low-lying locations in Valsad have been relocated for their safety. 'A total of 17 persons were shifted in Bilimora city after flooding in low-lying areas. The administration is also closely monitoring the rising water levels of the Purna and Kaveri rivers,' said AM Gamit, Executive Magistrate (Disaster), Navsari.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed the collectors to ensure timely evacuation and safeguard residents and livestock, emphasizing the deployment of State and National Disaster Response Forces (SDRF and NDRF) for required assistance.

The Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam's water level rose sharply to 135.30 meters, only a few meters below its full capacity of 138.68 meters. SSNNL officials noted that the dam reservoir was receiving 2,65,748 cusecs of water from upstream, leading to the opening of 15 radial gates for water discharge. 'While 1,75,000 cusecs of water flowed out through the gates, 36,975 and 23,081 cusecs were released from the riverbed powerhouse and canal head powerhouse respectively,' an official stated.

The state's 206 reservoirs currently hold 3.64 lakh million cubic feet of water, which accounts for 65% of their total storage capacity. Seventy-two of these reservoirs have been put on high alert due to the rise in water level.

The state has, so far, received 81.81 percent of its average annual rainfall this season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted 'heavy to very heavy' rain in several South Gujarat districts and parts of Saurashtra until Tuesday morning, with similar weather expected in other regions on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)