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The devastating impact of recent heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in Gujarat has prompted the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to deploy an inter-ministerial central team to assess the damage. This team, led by the Executive Director of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), will undertake a comprehensive on-the-spot evaluation of the affected regions. The severe rainfall, attributed to a deep depression formed over Gujarat and Rajasthan, lasted from August 25th to 30th, causing widespread flooding and disrupting daily life across the state.
The impact of the flooding was felt across Gujarat, with several towns and villages submerged, particularly in the Kutch district. Mundra taluka, a key location within the district, experienced an intense downpour of 26 mm in a short span, resulting in significant waterlogging and damage. Other areas like Veraval, Dwarka, and Dantiwada were also heavily impacted by the rainfall, further exacerbating the flood situation. The MHA, recognizing the severity of the situation, is closely monitoring the situation not only in Gujarat but also in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which have also experienced heavy rainfall, and is prepared to send similar assessment teams to these states if required.
Adding to the concern, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of more rainfall expected in Gujarat next week. Amidst the ongoing crisis, Union Home Minister Amit Shah actively reviewed the ground situation in his Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, one of the severely affected areas. He emphasized the immediate need for restoring normalcy and directed local authorities to implement measures such as draining floodwaters, cleaning roads and drains, and conducting fogging and pesticide spraying to prevent the spread of diseases. Shah's commitment to addressing the crisis was further demonstrated by his telephonic discussions with the collectors and municipal commissioners of both Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar districts, focusing on a unified effort to restore public life and address the concerns of citizens.
Despite the abatement of rainfall, the aftermath of the flooding continues to pose challenges. Many areas in Gujarat remain waterlogged due to swollen rivers. Vadodara, which experienced a severe flood-like situation due to the overflowing Vishwamitri river, is gradually recovering as water levels recede. The government's response to the Gujarat floods highlights the critical role of proactive disaster management and collaborative efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. The deployment of the inter-ministerial team, the proactive steps taken by Amit Shah, and the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy offer a testament to the government's commitment to aiding affected citizens and rebuilding communities impacted by the flooding.
Source: Centre rushes inter-ministerial team to Gujarat to assess damage by rainfall, floods