Eight killed in 24 hours as heavy rains batter Gujarat
Jul 24, 2024
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], July 24 : Heavy rains have caused severe disruptions across Gujarat, with flood-like situations in various districts. In the past 24 hours, eight people have been killed due to the deluge, taking the death toll to 61, officials said on Wednesday.
Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey said that rescue operations are ongoing in Dwarka and Surat, with efforts to assist affected residents and manage the crisis. 
"We are receiving continuous instructions from the Chief Minister regarding the heavy rainfall. Based on the forecast from IMD, a red alert has been issued for heavy rainfall in South Gujarat. We are actively working and have rescued several individuals in Dwarka and Surat, who have been moved to safer locations," said Pandey.
"Unfortunately, in the last 24 hours, 8 people have lost their lives due to the rain, bringing the total death toll to 61. NDRF and SDRF teams are working tirelessly across various districts," he added.
Anand District is also facing severe waterlogging due to continuous rainfall.
In Surat, the Veer Kavi Narmad causeway gates have been closed due to heavy upstream rainfall, and the city is experiencing significant waterlogging, disrupting normal life. 
Vadodara has also seen waterlogging triggered by heavy rain. 
The water level of the Gira Waterfalls in Waghai has risen due to the recent heavy rains.
Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Department in Chennai has forecast thunderstorms and increased rainfall for the next few days in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and its suburbs.
Thunderstorms and lightning with light to moderate rain are expected in isolated areas over the next three days, with partly cloudy skies forecasted for the Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts.
