Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday night chaired a high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) to assess the prevailing rain situation and preparedness measures across the state, according to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
During the meeting, officials of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) briefed the Chief Minister on the forecast of widespread rainfall across Gujarat over the coming days.
Patel sought detailed updates on rainfall recorded between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., particularly in the districts of South Gujarat, as well as Dholka in Ahmedabad district, Mahemdabad in Kheda district and Mehsana. He directed the administration to remain on high alert throughout the night and closely monitor the situation in anticipation of further rainfall.
The State Emergency Operations Centre is maintaining constant communication with all districts through its hotline network, the CMO said.
Officials informed the meeting that four National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in South Gujarat—two in Valsad, one in Navsari and one kept on standby in Surat. Equipped with boats and rescue equipment, the teams are assisting district authorities in rescue and relief operations. As a precautionary measure, NDRF and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have also been deployed in districts across the Saurashtra region.
The Chief Minister was informed that 352 people were rescued in South Gujarat during the day, while more than 22,000 residents in Navsari and Valsad districts were shifted to safer locations. He also reviewed the electricity supply situation in the rain-affected areas.
Chief Secretary M.K. Das told the meeting that the state administration is fully prepared to deal with the situation, with adequate manpower, machinery and equipment in place.
Patel further directed officials to prioritise cleaning operations, restoration of roads and implementation of public health measures once the rainfall subsides and floodwaters recede.
(With ANI inputs)
