Incessant rain batters Saurashtra region

Incessant rain for the fourth consecutive day caused widespread flooding and disruption in the Saurashtra region. The most affected places were Kalyanpur taluka in Devbhumi Dwarka district, Upleta taluka in Rajkot district, and Manavadar taluka of Junagadh. Kalyanpur taluka received over 270 mm of the total 281mm rainfall during the day in just four hours, leaving many villages inundated and isolated.
The district administration launched rescue operations, summoning the IAF and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Three people stranded on a farm in Kalyanpur taluka were airlifted to safety by an IAF helicopter, while the NDRF team rescued eight people from the villages of Keshvpura and Tankariya. Two additional NDRF teams were deployed in the district to assist with ongoing rescue efforts even as rain continued to pound the district.
Infrastructure was severely impacted, with the national highway connecting Porbandar and Dwarka becoming impassable due to waterlogging near Lamba. Dwarka town received 135 mm of rainfall, adding to the challenges that the residents and authorities were already facing due to waterlogging in several areas.
GT Pandya, Devbhumi Dwarka district collector, said, “The people trapped in Keshavpura and Tankaria were rescued by local people, the team of mamlatdar, and NDRF personnel. However, for those trapped on a farm in P aneli village, it was very difficult even for the NDRF to reach them as the water level was high.”
The Devbhumi Dwarka administration has issued warnings to those living in low-lying areas near dams, as most of the dams in the district are filled to their maximum capacity. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid crossing roads near causeways.
Upleta taluka in R ajkot district received 132 mm of rain in four hours, with Lath village being severely affected. The village, situated at the confluence of three rivers was submerged by the rising waters. In Upleta town, floodwaters entered schools, and parents had to brave waterlogged streets on tractors to bring their children home safely. An SDRF team had to rescue ten people, including two children, who were trapped on the outskirts of the village.
Junagadh district also faced the consequences of heavy rainfall, with Manavadar (198mm) and Visavadar (149mm) talukas receiving significant amounts of rain. Junagadh district collector said that 1,100 people had been evacuated from low-lying and slum areas in Manavadar taluka and provided with food packets and drinking water.