Indian Army columns continue with flood relief operations in Gujarat

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], August 30 (ANI): Indian Army columns continued flood relief operations in the worst-affected areas of Gujarat on Friday, providing immediate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), according to an Indian Army source.
Waterlogging was reported in Bhuj on Friday following heavy rainfall in the region.
Following a request from the Gujarat government, six columns of the Indian Army are conducting rescue operations in the worst-affected areas as the flood-like situation persists in parts of the state due to incessant rainfall.
The Army has been deployed to support ongoing relief efforts.
"In response to severe flooding in multiple districts, the Indian Army has swiftly mobilised its resources to support the ongoing relief efforts. Following a request from the Gujarat State Government, six columns of the Indian Army are undertaking rescue operations in the worst-affected areas to provide immediate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)," the Army said in a statement on Thursday.
The Gujarat government had requested six columns of Army assistance for urgent relief operations across several districts affected by severe flooding on Tuesday, according to a press release.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall for Friday in isolated areas of Gujarat's districts, including Kachchh, Morbi, Jamnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Porbandar.
"Moderate thunderstorms/lightning with maximum surface wind speeds of 40-60 km/h (in gusts), accompanied by heavy rainfall (>15 mm/hr), are very likely at isolated places in the districts of Gujarat, namely Kachchh, Morbi, Jamnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Porbandar," the IMD stated.
The IMD also forecast moderate rainfall in isolated areas of the districts of Surendranagar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli.
"Light thunderstorms or lightning, with maximum surface wind speeds of less than 40 km/h (in gusts), accompanied by light to moderate rainfall (5-15 mm/hr), are very likely at isolated places in the districts of Gujarat, namely Surendranagar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli."
"Light rainfall (<5 mm/hr) is very likely at isolated places in the districts of Gujarat, including Diu, Banaskantha, Patan, Mahesana, Sabar Kantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Dahod, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Botad, Bhavnagar, Anand, Kheda, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Panchmahal, Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, Tapi, Dangs, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, and Dadar & Nagar Haveli," the IMD added.
Earlier, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel arrived at the Gandhinagar State Emergency Operation Center on Thursday after travelling from Vadodara, following the forecast of heavy rains and potential storms.
Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister reviewed the system's preparedness for the natural calamity via video conference with the District Collectors.
The Chief Minister also issued immediate instructions to evacuate areas as necessary to safeguard residents from the impending calamity. Chief Secretary Rajkumar and other senior secretaries were also present during the meeting.
Gujarat has been experiencing heavy rain for the past few days, leading to parts of the state being inundated and displacing hundreds of residents to safer locations due to severe floods. (ANI)