Army evacuates 790 persons after heavy rains in Gujarat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli

The Indian Army has carried out rescue missions in flood-hit districts of south Gujarat, Ahmedabad, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, evacuating more than 790 stranded persons from inundated and inaccessible areas, officials said on Sunday, July 26.

Incessant rains battered south Gujarat on July 21 and 22, and covered several parts of the state during the next few days. Thirty-five rain-related deaths, including 29 in Valsad and Navsari, two of the worst affected districts, were reported in Gujarat over the last few days, officials earlier said.

The Southern Command of the Indian Army launched the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations on the evening of July 23.

Over the past three days, the Army personnel operated in close coordination with the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, State Emergency Operations Centre, civil administration and other agencies to provide timely assistance to affected communities, a defence release said.

"The Army deployed multiple relief and rescue columns across Navsari, Valsad, Vapi, Silvassa and flood-affected areas of Ahmedabad, including Dholka and Rajoda, while additional columns remained on standby to respond to emerging contingencies," it said.

Throughout the operation, troops undertook rescue missions in inundated and inaccessible areas, safely evacuating over 790 stranded civilians, the release said.

"Medical teams provided immediate healthcare to those in need, while relief teams distributed food, drinking water and other essential supplies to affected residents. Army personnel also assisted the civil administration in restoring normalcy in the affected areas," it added.