Gujarat Health Minister Surveys Flood-Affected Areas Amid Torrential Rains

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel inspected flood-hit Borsad in Anand amidst ongoing heavy rainfall. The deluge has led to severe disruptions and a rising death toll of 61. State officials, including Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, are actively engaged in relief efforts and monitoring the situation closely.

Amid unrelenting heavy rainfall in Gujarat, state Health Minister Rushikesh Patel visited flood-affected areas in the Borsad locality of Anand District. Patel carried out his inspection on a tractor loaded with other passengers to better understand the extent of the devastation.

'Water has inundated the low-lying areas due to the heavy rainfall. To curb water-borne diseases, our Aarogya team and doctors are on-site,' stated Patel. The sustained downpour has created flood-like conditions across various districts in the state.

Officials confirmed that eight more people have died in the recent deluge, taking the death toll to 61. Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey announced ongoing rescue operations in Dwarka and Surat, emphasizing efforts to aid affected residents and manage the unfolding crisis.

'We are continually receiving instructions from the Chief Minister regarding the heavy rainfall. With an IMD-issued red alert for South Gujarat, we have successfully rescued numerous individuals in Dwarka and Surat, relocating them to safer locations,' said Pandey. 'The recent toll of eight fatalities within the last 24 hours brings the total to 61. NDRF and SDRF teams are rigorously working across various districts,' he added.

Anand District is also grappling with severe waterlogging due to continuous rains. Earlier, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducted an aerial survey of coastal villages in Saurashtra, particularly Jamnagar and Devbhoomi Dwarka, to assess the damage caused by the heavy rains.

During a review meeting with officials from Devbhoomi Dwarka and Jamnagar districts, the Chief Minister directed the district administration to adopt a zero-casualty approach to ensure public safety amid the deluge. Due to the heavy rains affecting coastal districts of Saurashtra, including Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, and Porbandar, the inundation in low-lying areas has disrupted normal life. The Chief Minister reviewed the situation in the affected coastal belt and areas of Devbhoomi Dwarka.

(With inputs from agencies.)