Surat: With a red alert in place and forecasts warning of heavy rain across South Gujarat, district administrations in Bharuch, Navsari and Tapi activated emergency response plans, deployed rescue teams and identified vulnerable locations as they prepare for the possibility of flooding similar to the devastating inundation of 2023.Authorities across South Gujarat stepped up precautions with the intense rainfall forecast for the region.In Bharuch district, the administration deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams equipped with 26 boats. Around 400 trained volunteers have also been placed on standby.The district administration identified 81 villages that could face the greatest impact in the event of flooding.Bharuch collector Navnath Gawhane said officials reviewed the 2023 floods while preparing the contingency plan.“We studied the floods of 2023 in Bharuch and found that 7,000 people may be affected across 81 villages in a similar situation. We have a 24-hour control room where people can call, on 1077, and seek any type of help. NDRF-SDRF teams are ready with 26 boats. We are coordinating with police, panchayats, roads and buildings, DGVCL, GIDC, fisheries and all other agencies and authorities,” Gawhane said.Navsari district also intensified preparedness measures in the aftermath of the extreme weather events.Authorities have evacuated workers from shrimp farms in Mendhar, Bhat, Panar, Delwada and Machhad villages. Officials are maintaining records of pregnant women to facilitate assistance during emergencies.The administration also carried out drainage and cleaning work along the Maroli-Ubhrat highway to speed up the release of accumulated water. Livestock owners have been briefed on safety measures to be followed in the event of flooding.In Tapi district, two SDRF teams have been deployed with five rescue boats and 180 trained disaster volunteers.Officials have readied 100 shelter homes where displaced residents can be accommodated and provided food packets if evacuation becomes necessary.Meanwhile, educational institutions in Surat, Bharuch, Navsari and Tapi districts will remain closed on July 31 due to the forecast of heavy rainfall.No cracks in Keliya, Jhuj damsAuthorities dismissed social media rumours claiming that cracks had developed in the Keliya and Jhuj dams in Vansda taluka of Navsari district.Such messages, which also alleged that gates of the dams had been opened due to structural damage, triggered concern among residents of Vansda and Chikhli talukas.The irrigation department clarified that the message was false and confirmed that both dams were safe. Officials appealed to the public not to circulate unverified information and warned that such rumours could create unnecessary panic.
