In Gujarat, in the last 24 hours, 251 blocks in the state have experienced rain. Currently, the rainfall in the state is reported to be more than 99 per cent of the season’s average, with a total of 880 millimetres. The highest rainfall recorded is 117 mm in the Kutch zone and 108 mm in South Gujarat. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the state has been experiencing heavy rains for the past two days. In the last 24 hours, Tankara block in Morbi has reported the highest rainfall of 14 inches, while Anand has recorded 10 inches and Kheda eight inches.       

According to the Gandhinagar State Emergency Operation Centre, Nine people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents at different locations in the state, while one person is still missing. Due to the heavy to very heavy rains, transportation has been affected in the state. Two thousand eighty-one trips of state transport buses have been cancelled because 433 state routes are closed.

To address the heavy rainfall situation, the central government has allocated a six-column Army contingent for rescue and disaster management. This force has been deployed in the rain-affected districts of Devbhoomi Dwarka, Anand, Vadodara, Kheda, Morbi, and Rajkot. Currently, 14 NDRF teams and 22 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are deployed across the state for rescue operations. More than 70 people have been rescued by 10 fire teams and one team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Jamnagar city.

The total water storage in the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam, which is vital for the state, has reached 87 per cent of its capacity. Of the 76 dams in the state, 100 per cent are filled, 46 dams are between 70 to 100 per cent full, and 23 dams are approximately 50 to 70 per cent full. Additionally, 96 dams are on high alert, 19 are on alert, and seven are on standby.       The Narmada River has surpassed the 26-foot level at Golden Bridge in Bharuch district, prompting the release of additional water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Meanwhile, the meteorological department has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until August 30. A three-number signal has been installed at the Mandvi-Kandla port.