India: Heavy rains continue to batter Gujarat, death toll rises to 35

The state has been experiencing heavy rainfall for the past four days, leading to widespread flooding and disruption.

One of the most significant incidents occurred on Thursday morning when a runway side wall of the Rajkot International Airport collapsed due to the incessant rain. Relief and rescue operations are ongoing in the affected districts, with nearly 18,000 people evacuated from flood-hit areas and over 40,000 relocated to safer locations.

Vadodara, a city in Gujarat, has been particularly hard hit by the flooding. The Vishwamitri River, which flows through the city, has overflowed its banks, inundating residential neighborhoods and causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. Waterlogging and inundation have been reported in several areas due to the release of water from Ajwa Reservoir and Pratappura Reservoirs into the river.

Officials have stated that 140 reservoirs and dams, as well as 24 rivers in the state, are currently flowing above the danger mark. Saurashtra regions like Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Porbandar received between 50 mm and 200 mm of rain in just 12 hours on Wednesday, with Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka recording the highest rainfall at 185 mm.

The heavy rains have disrupted vehicular movement, train services, and flight operations in the state. In addition, Vadodara is facing an unusual threat: crocodiles. The overflowing Vishwamitri River, which is home to 300 crocodiles, has led to these reptiles venturing into human settlements, causing panic among residents. Several crocodiles have been spotted in residential areas, including on the roof of a house and on streets. (ILKHA)