Flood Crisis in Vadodara: Thousands Evacuated as Vishwamitri River Surpasses Danger Mark

Over 3,000 people in Vadodara were evacuated to safer locations after the Vishwamitri river exceeded the danger mark due to heavy rains and dam water release. The city received substantial rainfall, leading to severe waterlogging and forcing residents in several areas to stay indoors as water levels continued to rise.

More than 3,000 residents of low-lying areas in Vadodara were evacuated after the Vishwamitri river, flowing through the Gujarat city, breached the danger level of 25 feet following heavy rains and dam water release, officials reported.

The State Emergency Operations Centre indicated that Vadodara city experienced 307 mm of rainfall from 6 am to midnight on Monday, causing significant waterlogging.

While the rains ceased early Tuesday, various parts of the city, including main roads, remained submerged, confining residents indoors.

Areas such as Sayajigunj, Fatehgunj, Parshuram Bhattha, Harni, and Motnath were severely affected as the river's waters overflowed after surpassing the danger mark.

Vadodara district collector Bijal Shah stated, ''Vishwamitri is flowing above 34 feet, well above the danger mark of 25 feet. As a precautionary measure, we have relocated more than 3,000 people from low-lying zones.''

Incessant rainfall in upstream areas and water release from Ajwa dam have caused the river's levels to climb since Monday. As of 2 pm on Tuesday, it reached 35.25 feet, according to the Vadodara Municipal Corporation.

Local resident Sandip Shah reported that hundreds in the Harni-Sama Link Road area were stuck due to waterlogging. ''Our parking area is under 6 feet of water, damaging our vehicles. Water suddenly surged after the dam release, trapping thousands indoors. There's no immediate solution,'' Shah stated.

(With inputs from agencies.)