Monsoon create havoc in Gujarat
Gujarat’s monsoon, which usually brings life to parched lands, has instead unleashed widespread chaos and tragedy across several districts. Torrential downpours from June 16 to 18 turned deadly, triggering flash floods, building collapses, and emergency evacuations, with Botad and Bhavnagar among the hardest-hit regions.
Monsoon create havoc in Gujarat
Botad Tragedy: Family Swept Away
In a heartbreaking incident near Lathidad village in Botad, seven members of a family were killed after their eco-car was washed away while attempting to navigate a waterlogged road. Out of the nine people in the vehicle, only two survived namely Priyankbhai and Yashwant rescued in the nick of time. The rest, including six women and one man, were found lifeless following an intensive search operation.
Monsoon create havoc in Gujarat
Heroic Rescue Efforts in Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar’s Bhal region remains inundated days after relentless rains submerged entire villages. On June 18, the fire department carried out a daring rescue operation near Kamlej village, wading through two kilometres of floodwaters to save 58 stranded villagers, including 10 women and nine children. With no roads in sight, rescuers relied on a boat engine to pull off the high-risk mission. Livestock were not left behind, over 400 cattle were also herded to safety.
Monsoon create havoc in Gujarat
JCBs and Community Spirit Power Relief Work
In Devaliya, Paliyad, and Sanes villages, locals took charge, using JCB machines to drain floodwaters and bring back electricity and sanitation services. Their efforts, alongside those of government teams, helped stabilize basic infrastructure amid the crisis.
Monsoon create havoc in Gujarat
Rivers Swell, Dams Overflow
The situation remains tense in Surendranagar, where the Dholidhaja Dam overflowed, sending torrents into the Bhogavo River. In Wadhwan town, the river breached its banks, forcing authorities to evacuate over 40 residents from low-lying areas to a government school. Officials have warned residents to steer clear of small bridges, canals, and causeways, with currents running dangerously fast.
Monsoon create havoc in Gujarat
Gadhada Joint Rescue Saves 22
In another rescue success, 22 people stranded in Pipaliya village, Gadhada taluka, were evacuated in a joint operation by the NDRF and Botad district officials. The administration has since provided temporary shelters, food, clean water, and medical support to the displaced.
Monsoon create havoc in Gujarat
From Flood to Fever: Post-Rainfall Concerns Loom
As skies cleared in some areas, Bhavnagar saw an unusual twist, a sudden spike in temperatures. The mercury soared by 3.5°C, touching 32.7°C, compounding the misery with oppressive humidity. Health experts now worry about the spread of waterborne diseases due to stagnant floodwaters.
Warning Signs and Lessons Learned
While the Gujarat Meteorological Department has issued continued rain alerts, the recent devastation highlights deeper issues such as outdated infrastructure, poor drainage, and slow warning systems. Still, the quick action of local volunteers, firefighters, and disaster response teams has helped avert an even greater calamity.
Monsoon create havoc in Gujarat
The monsoon has only just begun but for many in Gujarat, it has already left scars that will take much longer to heal.
