Gandhinagar: More than 42,000 people have been moved to safer locations across Gujarat as authorities continue relief and rehabilitation efforts following days of heavy rainfall, while preliminary estimates indicate that 308 livestock animals have died in the recent floods.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the evolving rain situation and ongoing response measures during a late evening meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar on Saturday.
He was accompanied by Chief Secretary M. K. Das, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Dr Jayanti Ravi and Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that a total of 42,158 people have so far been evacuated as a precautionary measure from vulnerable areas across the state.
With rainfall easing in South Gujarat, the state’s immediate focus has shifted from rescue operations to relief and rehabilitation in the affected districts.
The Chief Minister was informed that the distribution of cash doles to affected families has already begun and that household assistance will also be disbursed at the earliest.
According to preliminary estimates presented at the meeting, the recent spell of heavy rain has resulted in the deaths of 308 livestock animals across Gujarat.
Officials also briefed the Chief Minister that widespread heavy rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours in Patan, Mehsana, Vav-Tharad and Banaskantha districts of North Gujarat.
In response, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have already been deployed to support the local administration.
Patel directed district collectors in the affected areas to remain on high alert and ensure that all necessary precautionary measures are in place in anticipation of further heavy rainfall.
He also instructed officials to immediately begin sanitation drives, public health measures and damage assessment surveys as soon as floodwaters recede to facilitate recovery in the affected regions.
During the review, the Relief Commissioner informed the meeting that rainfall recorded across several districts this month has already exceeded levels seen during the corresponding period in July last year.
Valsad has recorded rainfall equivalent to 93 per cent of its July 2025 average, Navsari at 97 per cent, Dang at 71 per cent, Surat at 81 per cent, Ahmedabad at 66 per cent and Amreli at 63 per cent.
Officials further said that reservoirs across Gujarat are currently at 53.14 per cent of their total storage capacity as the state continues to monitor the monsoon situation.
(IANS)
