Over 700 evacuated, 12 major highways shut as rains wreak havoc in Gujarat

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has shut down two national highways passing through Porbandar and Kutch, along with 10 state highways, as heavy rains continued in various parts of the state.

Gujarat's Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey confirmed that around 736 individuals were evacuated to safer zones, alongside the successful rescue of approximately 358 people.

A total of 302 roads inclusive of 271 panchayat roads were closed. “Currently, 736 people have been evacuated to safe locations. State dams have received plenty of water due to rains in Junagadh Valsad, Gir-Somnath, Porbandar, and other districts. Narmada Dam is filled at 67 per cent while other dams have been completely filled,” he was quoted as saying.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducted a review meeting at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar late on Saturday where he interacted with the district chiefs after attempts to reach Junagadh to review the situation in person proved futile, reports The Indian Express.

In the wake of ongoing heavy rain, nine teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were dispatched to the most affected districts. Junagadh, specifically, is benefiting from the aid of two teams each from the NDRF and SDRF, who are engaged in rescue and relief operations.

The Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall in districts including Gir-Somnath, Junagadh, Kutch, Porbandar, Valsad, and Navsari in South Gujarat, even on Sunday.

Also Read:Heavy rains in Kerala, Yellow alert in 6 districts