India: Gujarat CM dials PM Modi as flood situation spirals across western state

The state of Gujarat in western India, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues to grapple with a massive flood situation amid continuous heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red' alert for several parts of the state on Thursday (Aug29).

The deep depression over Saurashtra and Kachchh is expected to intensify as it moves towards the northeast Arabian Sea which is bringing further heavy rainfall across the region.

The death toll in rain-related accidents has increased to 28 in the last three days.

Gujarat floods: What next?

According to IMD, extremely heavy showers are expected in 12 districts: Kachchh, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Morbi, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Botad.

On Wednesday (Aug 28), districts in the Saurashtra region, such as Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Porbandar, received between 50mm and 200 mm of rain in 12 hours ending at 6 pm.

Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district received 185 mm of rainfall during this period, the highest in the state,Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

According to Gujarat health minister Rushikesh Patel, more than 5,000 people have been rehabilitated so far, news agency ANI reported.

Earlier on Wednesday (Aug 28), Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and assured him of all possible support and assistance from the Union government.

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"The Prime Minister provided guidance on the protection of lives and livestock of citizens. Also, Gujarat was assured of providing all necessary support and assistance from the Central Government," the CM said.

"The priority of the state government is to provide food packets, drinking water pouches and healthcare medicines to the people who are trapped in the flood until the water recedes. Not only this, the affected districts where the power supply has been disrupted are being promptly restored," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)