Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has directed all departments to remain prepared for immediate response after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast extremely heavy rainfall across parts of the state, with a ‘red alert’ issued for eight districts on July 31.
The red alert covers Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, Tapi and Dang districts. The IMD has also forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall under an ‘orange alert’ in several parts of Saurashtra on the same day.
Earlier, for July 29 and 30, warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places were issued for Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat and several districts of south Gujarat.
An orange alert has also been issued for parts of north Gujarat on August 1, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected at isolated locations.
In view of the forecast, the Weather Watch Group met at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana to review the state’s preparedness for the approaching spell of rain.
Makwana instructed all coordinated departments to map their resources and response teams and ensure they are ready for immediate deployment.
He also directed officials from all departments to convene meetings with district collectors without delay to complete the mapping exercise and remain prepared for prompt action.
The meeting reviewed the administration’s preparedness to ensure public safety and strengthen disaster management measures during the monsoon.
To reduce the risk of damage from strong winds accompanied by heavy rain, the Roads and Buildings Department has been instructed to ensure the immediate removal of hoardings, banners, and dilapidated structures under the jurisdiction of municipalities and municipal corporations.
Makwana also stressed that weather warnings and disaster-related messages must reach the grassroots level, including the general public and daily wage labourers, in a timely manner.
“People living in kutcha houses, slum settlements and members of the labour force are generally the most vulnerable during such events and would therefore receive additional attention and protection,” he said.
Referring to the state’s rainfall pattern this monsoon, Makwana said Gujarat was witnessing highly uneven rainfall.
“The state is currently witnessing an extremely uneven rainfall pattern. While some areas such as Dwarka have received very little rain, regions like Valsad and Navsari have already recorded nearly 100 per cent rainfall. Dholka, meanwhile, received nearly 20 inches of unprecedented rainfall within just two hours,” he said.
He added that, considering these conditions, the state government had instructed all concerned departments, district collectors and disaster management teams to remain on high alert.
Makwana also thanked the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Coast Guard and the Army for their coordinated response during the recent heavy rainfall in south Gujarat.
“The coordinated efforts of the administration and security forces have helped save thousands of lives so far. Before flood conditions developed in south Gujarat, more than 53,600 people were shifted to safer locations as a precautionary measure, while more than 9,600 people trapped in floodwaters were successfully rescued,” he said.
Officials from the NDRF, SDRF, Coast Guard, Navy, Health Department, Forest Department, Agriculture Department, Revenue Department and other government departments attended the meeting.
(IANS)
