Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel of full support from the central government as the state battles severe flooding caused by continuous heavy rainfall.
In a phone conversation, PM Modi inquired about the ongoing relief and rescue operations in the state. CM Patel, sharing details of the call on social media platform X, said that the Prime Minister provided guidance on protecting citizens and livestock, and promised all necessary assistance from the Central government.
“Hon’ble Prime Minister is constantly monitoring the situation, worrying about Gujarat. He has a deep affection in his heart for the people of Gujarat,” Patel said.
The situation in Gujarat has become increasingly dire, with over 20,000 people evacuated and more than 1,500 rescued across various districts. The state government has mobilized significant resources, with six Army contingents joining 14 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 22 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in rescue and relief efforts.
Vadodara and Morbi districts are among the worst affected, with severe waterlogging disrupting normal life. In Morbi, authorities were forced to open the gates of the Macchu dam due to rising water levels.
Health Minister Rishikesh Patel and Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma are travelling to Vadodara to assess the damage and oversee relief operations. Assembly Speaker Balkrishna Shukla is set to hold a review meeting with local administration officials.
The state government said that 23,871 people have been relocated to safer areas, with the highest number moved from Panchmahal district. The Indian Air Force has been deployed to assist with rescue operations in Vadodara and Jamnagar.
(Inputs from ANI)