Gandhinagar, July 31 (IANS) Gujarat has placed its disaster response machinery on high alert after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across large parts of the state, leading authorities to issue a ‘Red Alert’ for 13 districts and an ‘Orange Alert’ for seven others while deploying 50 specialised rescue teams.
Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana said the state government had activated extensive preparedness measures in anticipation of the adverse weather.
All departments concerned and district administrations have been instructed to remain vigilant and ensure that emergency arrangements are in place to respond to any unforeseen situation.
According to the latest IMD forecast, 13 districts are under a ‘Red Alert’ while seven districts have been placed under an ‘Orange Alert’.
Since early Friday, significant rainfall has been recorded in several districts, including Narmada, Anand, Kheda, Chhota Udepur, Vadodara and Surat, with the situation being monitored continuously.
“Relief, rescue and precautionary measures were being implemented across the state under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The evacuation of residents from flood-prone and low-lying areas to safer locations had already begun and would continue wherever necessary,” he said.
To strengthen the state’s emergency response, 17 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 33 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), taking the total to 50 teams, have been deployed across various districts.
Three NDRF teams have also been kept on standby in Vadodara district.
Makwana said the district administration had completed the mapping of all available rescue boats and their operators in Vadodara so that rescue operations could begin immediately if required.
“The active weather system is likely to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to different parts of Gujarat over the coming days. In view of the forecast, all district administrations have been directed to remain on constant alert, closely monitor local conditions and take timely action wherever required,” he added.
Appealing to the public, Makwana urged people to remain indoors unless faced with a medical emergency or other essential need.
“Citizens should not step out of their homes except for medical emergencies or extremely essential work. They should avoid rumours, stay away from rivers, streams and waterlogged areas, and strictly follow the official advisories issued by the state government and district administrations,” he emphasised.
–IANS
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