Gujarat flood rescue ops save hundreds as NDRF, Coast Guard intensify response

NAVSARI, July 25: Hundreds of people stranded by flooding across Gujarat were rescued on Saturday as multiple teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Coast Guard, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and district authorities carried out evacuation and relief operations in Ahmedabad, Navsari, Surat, Valsad and other affected areas amid continued monsoon conditions.
In Navsari district, the NDRF completed rescue and relief operations in flood-affected areas of Gandevi and Amalsad talukas, particularly in Sarikhurd village and adjoining areas.
The operation was undertaken by the 06 Battalion of the NDRF, which had been deployed on the instructions of the state government in coordination with the local administration.
A total of 120 people were rescued from floodwaters, including 45 women, 35 men and 40 children. In addition, 43 residents living in vulnerable locations were shifted to safer shelters.
The rescue mission was declared complete in the evening after assistance had been provided to all affected residents.
The Indian Coast Guard said its ongoing flood relief operations had so far saved 170 lives.
A helicopter was launched from the Indian Coast Guard Air Station at Daman on Saturday morning to assist stranded people, while a Dornier fixed-wing aircraft carried out aerial reconnaissance to provide a comprehensive assessment of the flood situation for ground teams and coordinating authorities.
Disaster Response Teams (DRTs) from the Coast Guard were deployed in Valsad and Navsari districts. Another DRT was sent to the Bavla industrial area in Ahmedabad, where employees of Amazon Pvt. Ltd. were being evacuated in coordination with the SDRF.
A separate team assisted around 50 people stranded at Mackmohan Industries in Bavla. In Ahmedabad district, NDRF teams conducted several rescue operations in Dholka taluka throughout the day. (IANS)