Over 40,000 evacuated across Gujarat as torrential rains bring state to a standstill
Heavy rains have been lashing districts of south Gujarat since September 21 with water from overflowing rivers entering residential areas in cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Bharuch and Vadodara.
Incessant rains in Gujarat subsided on Wednesday bringing some much-needed relief to the people of the state.
People ventured out on the roads and traffic resumed as water receded from roads and residential areas.
Over 40,000 persons have been evacuated and shifted in the state where inundating rains paralysed normal life since the last two days.
Heavy rains have been lashing districts of south Gujarat since September 21 with water from overflowing rivers entering residential areas in cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Bharuch and Vadodara.
The Ahmedabad Fire Department had sent three rescue teams to Vadodara and Bharuch to assist in rescue operations.
Schools and colleges in Ahmedabad, Surat and Bharuch have been asked to remain shut and the exams scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed.
The torrential rains have also affected railway operations. Five trains have been cancelled since morning between Ahmedabad and Mumbai as railway tracks lie water-logged.
Vadodara Collector Vinod Rao along with the district officials carried out midnight rescue operation in Vadodara city to evacuate people from the low lying areas.
The MET department have given an alert till Wednesday evening forecasting heavy to very heavy rains in Gujarat.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is not in the state as he is out campaigning for 2014 Lok Sabha polls. He is to address a rally in Bhopal on Wednesday.
-With inputs from Mosiqi Acharya