Heavy rainfall has been lashing Gujarat since Sunday, resulting in severe flooding across several districts in the state. Among the hardest-hit areas, Bharuch has borne the brunt of the floods, with viral videos depicting waterlogged roads.
#WATCH | Narmada, Gujarat: Sardar Sarovar Dam built on the Narmada River had its water level reduced by 10 lakh cusecs after the water was released by opening 23 gates of the dam. pic.twitter.com/8jdOqmhkk3
---Advertisement---— ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2023
Situated near the Narmada River, Bharuch has faced rising water levels, surpassing the danger mark. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) dispatched teams to Bharuch for rescue operations, successfully evacuating 16 individuals.
#WATCH | Gujarat | Heavy rainfall in Bharuch causes waterlogging in the city. Visuals from various parts of the city. pic.twitter.com/qRHNZR1iaN
— ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2023
In low-lying towns near the Narmada River, life has come to a halt due to the unavailability of transportation options. Over 9,613 people have been relocated since Sunday, with 207 individuals rescued from districts including Narmada, Bharuch, Vadodara, Dahod, and Panchmahal in Gujarat.
#WATCH | Gujarat: Heavy rainfall leads to a flood-like situation in several parts of Bharuch. People in the low-lying area of Nikora village were stranded. The NDRF team was conducting rescue operations. (17.09)
(Source: NDRF) pic.twitter.com/KoCVcxH6B0
— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2023
Schools Shut
Given the flood situation, the Gujarat government has ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Narmada district.
The Sardar Sarovar dam’s gates were opened to a height of 5.60 meters to accommodate the increased water flow, ensuring it remains safe up to the full reservoir level (FRL) of 138.68 meters.
The current water level stands at 137.32 meters, according to officials at the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL). A significant reduction of 10 lakh cusecs was observed in the water level of the Sardar Sarovar Dam following the opening of 23 gates.
Additionally, other rivers such as Orsang, Heran, Mahi, Meshri, and Panam have experienced swelling and are flowing above their typical levels due to continuous rainfall.
Flood water entered more than 15 societies on Ankleshwar-Hansot Road in Bharuch.
Flood situation in Narmada river of Bharuch due to release of water from Sardar Sarovar Dam#Gujarat #Bharuch #Flood #rain #Narmada #SardarSarovarDam #River #BharuchFlood #Ankleshwar #GujaratRains pic.twitter.com/dnBBNwyagW
— Europe Cognizant (@EuropeCognizant) September 18, 2023
IMD Forecast
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for seven districts, including Panchmahal, Dahod, Kheda, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Banaskantha, and Sabarkantha.
ચાણોદમાં નર્મદા નદીના પાણી ફરી વળ્યાં!#flood #chanod #narmada #gujarat pic.twitter.com/SJWokl9BS8
— My Vadodara (@MyVadodara) September 17, 2023
Moderate rainfall is expected in Junagarh, Porbandar, and Gir Somnath, while light rain is anticipated in various other regions across Gujarat and Diu.