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The devastating impact of recent heavy rainfall and flooding in Gujarat has prompted the Union home ministry to dispatch an inter-ministerial central team (IMCT) to assess the extent of damage. Led by the executive director of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), the IMCT is poised to visit the flood-affected districts of the state, where the consequences of the torrential downpour are still being felt.
The heavy to very heavy rain that battered several parts of Gujarat between August 25 and 30 was attributed to a deep depression that formed over Gujarat and Rajasthan. This period of intense rainfall brought with it not only the loss of human life but also the tragic death of numerous livestock. Furthermore, farmers across the region suffered significant losses to their standing crops, a blow to their livelihoods.
The widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas, a direct result of the persistent rainfall, caused substantial property damage in many districts. The severity of the situation has prompted the Union government to take proactive measures, dispatching IMCTs not only to Gujarat but also to Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. This proactive approach represents a shift from the previous system where IMCT deployments were initiated solely upon requests from state governments. Now, the Union government is taking the initiative to assess damages in all states and Union territories affected by natural calamities.
The IMCT's assessment is expected to provide valuable insights into the extent of damage caused by the floods. This information will be crucial for the government in formulating effective relief and rehabilitation measures. It is hoped that the prompt response and the proactive steps taken by the authorities will bring much-needed aid and support to the affected communities in Gujarat and the other impacted states.
Source: Gujarat: Central team to assess damage caused by rain in Gujarat