Vadodara Floods Update: Rainfall forecast to subside, relief efforts underway

Amidst heavy downpour, efforts are on to tackle the dire situation that has arisen due to floods in Gujarat's Vadodara. 

In a bid to counter the situation, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani undertook a review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Center in Gandhinagar. The meeting was conducted with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Rupani said that officials have been instructed to make sure maximum efforts are being taken to counter the situation in the flooded city:

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On July 31, Vadodara received heavy rainfall and recorded a historic 554 mm of rain in just 12 hours - this coming amid the state actually facing paucity of rains. The floods soon took over the city and reports of flooded homes started emerging. In addition, train services were affected with a number of them being cancelled and the airport having to be shut temporarily. After heavy rain lashed Vadodara, vehicles were seen driving through waterlogged roads and commuters were soon stuck in traffic jams. Skymet reported that more than 100 people were rescued from the Vishwamitri River that passes through the city. The river water level is 10-feet above the extreme danger level. Another 30 to 40 people were stuck in waist-deep water in a housing society. 

In other places, NDRF officials were seen distributing biscuit packets. Meanwhile, here are some visuals showing the situation in Vadodara. These pictures and videos were tweeted out by residents of the flood-hit city. Here, the NDRF teams can be seen in a dinghy carrying out rescue and relief work in the Ratri Bazaar area:

In addition to the five teams that are operating in the city, an additional five teams have been summoned from Pune to assist the volunteers. Three teams of the Army are also assisting in the rescue efforts. 

Khamatibaag Zoo of the city is also waterlogged. Several animals have been shifted to high-surface areas. A video by Skymet shows a crocodile making its way through the floods in the city:

Another video also shows the crocodile attacking stray dogs:

The incessant rains and flooding have severely affected residents. Many households reported short-circuits. Watch one of the videos here:

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The latest reports suggest, however, that the situation is likely to improve with heavy rains taking a backseat

(With Inputs from agencies)