Torrential rains have wreaked havoc across Gujarat, especially the Saurashtra region, with 22 lives lost in just 48 hours. In one of the most tragic incidents, an Eco car carrying nine passengers was swept away by a swollen river in Botad district, claiming four lives. Three passengers remain missing, while two have been rescued, as per officials from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

This crisis is part of a larger monsoon disaster gripping Gujarat, leading to school closures, roadblocks, and the displacement of residents and livestock. With heavy rain forecasted to continue, the situation is under intense monitoring at the highest levels of the state administration.

Tragedy in Botad: Car Swept Away, NDRF on Ground

In a heart-wrenching incident on Wednesday morning, a shared Eco car travelling through Botad was overtaken by floodwaters. Nine individuals were in the vehicle, which was swept off by a swollen river following continuous rainfall.

Inspector Vinay Kumar Bhati, Team Commander of the NDRF 6th Battalion, said the rescue operation was hampered by waterlogging and damaged roads. “Our team was stationed in Rajkot. We had to find internal village routes to reach Botad by 7:30 pm due to blocked highways and arterial roads,” Bhati explained.

Despite vehicle damage and harsh conditions, the team managed to carry out rescue efforts until 11:30 pm, recovering four bodies and saving two passengers. As of now, search efforts continue for the three missing persons, with local authorities providing support to the NDRF.

Eighteen Deaths on Tuesday Add to Crisis

The Botad tragedy follows a gruesome Tuesday in Gujarat when 18 individuals died in separate rain-related incidents across various districts. With intense downpours lashing Amreli, Bhavnagar, and other parts of Saurashtra, the situation has rapidly deteriorated.

Gujarat's State Emergency Commissioner, Alok Pandey, confirmed that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a high-level emergency meeting with district magistrates of 25 rain-affected districts. The CM has instructed district authorities to focus on life protection, prevent infrastructure damage, and restore critical supplies and communications.

Schools Shut, Dams Opened, Roads Blocked

In Bhavnagar district, the administration announced closure of schools on Wednesday as a precautionary measure due to unsafe travel conditions and rising floodwaters. In Botad, the situation worsened after the Khambhada Dam gates were opened, further contributing to widespread waterlogging and urban inundation.

Gadhada, a key area near Botad, saw major roads like Gadgda Road submerged, disrupting transportation and isolating entire neighborhoods. Urban and rural areas alike have reported extensive flooding, and rescue operations have expanded to livestock evacuation as well.

Saurashtra and Amreli Among Worst-Hit

While Botad remains the epicenter of immediate rescue efforts, Amreli district has emerged as one of the worst-affected regions. Villages have been cut off from supply chains, and reports indicate that homes, farmlands, and shops have been inundated.

Emergency teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been deployed across Gujarat, working in tandem with the NDRF, local police, and municipal disaster response units. Temporary shelters are being set up to house those displaced by the floods, and food, water, and medical supplies are being transported under emergency protocols.

Communication Gaps and Power Failures

Multiple areas across Saurashtra and central Gujarat have reported power outages, damaged mobile towers, and blocked internet connectivity due to lightning strikes and electrical substation failures. Authorities are working round the clock to restore essential services, though the weather remains a significant obstacle.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s Directives

During the review meeting, CM Patel stressed the need for rapid coordination among state and central agencies. He asked for real-time updates from ground-level officers and instructed that vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and differently-abled individuals, be given priority in rescue and relief operations.

He also emphasized the monitoring of all dams, canals, and rivers across the state to avoid overflow risks and additional evacuations.

Visuals Stir Public Concern

Social media platforms have been inundated with visuals of people clinging to poles, wading through waist-deep waters, and entire vehicles being swept away. Videos from Botad and Bhavnagar show residents using makeshift rafts to reach safer areas, triggering widespread concern.

Authorities are urging citizens not to travel unless absolutely necessary and to report any stranded individuals or livestock to the nearest emergency control room.

Weather Outlook: Rain Likely to Continue

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Saurashtra and parts of South Gujarat, forecasting more heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours. This may further complicate ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Emergency control centers have been activated in Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, and Bhavnagar, with helicopters and additional NDRF units on standby for airlifting operations if the rain does not subside.

Conclusion

The Gujarat floods of June 2025 have emerged as a statewide emergency, with a rising death toll, thousands displaced, and critical infrastructure under threat. The heroic efforts of the NDRF and SDRF, despite severe logistical challenges, continue to save lives on the ground.

With the monsoon just beginning, this crisis may be a warning of more severe weather events ahead. Authorities are on high alert, and all eyes are on the skies — hoping for a respite, but preparing for the worst.

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