Gujarat floods: 25000 people evacuated as heavy rains hit state

Ahmedabad: Nearly 25,000 people, primarily in Banaskantha and Patan districts, were evacuated to safety on Monday as Gujarat faced one of its worst flood situations in recent times. Over 10,000 people were shifted to safer locations in Banaskantha district, nearly 9,790 to Patan and 2,800 to Ahmedabad. Emerging footage shows large vehicles such as trucks stuck in flood water. Here are the top developments of the story:

• People stranded in remote locations were rescued by 12 National Disaster Response Force. Chief minister Vijay Rupani tweeted: "Govt is doing its best to rescue those hit by flood. 12 teams of NDRF & one Column of Army have been deployed in Banaskantha district." 

 

I appeal Citizens to have patience as emergency services have been inundated with several requests for help. — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) July 24, 2017

• Two teams from State Disaster Response Force and State Reserve Police Force also stepped in. Two Air Force choppers has also been kept on stand-by to evacuate people. Food packets are being distributed to those affected by floods.
• The state-wide high alert was sounded as water submerged 20 highways. Rail services between Delhi and Ahmedabad were stopped as the tracks got flooded. 
• Several parts of South Rajasthan also reeled from flood like situation.
• Gujarat has already received nearly 56.61 per cent of the total expected rainfall, informed State Emergency Operations Centre. Since June 2017, 70 people have died in the state due to rain related incidents.