India Coast Guard rescues 65 stranded as western India faces severe flooding
by Aditi VermaAmidst the ongoing massive floods in western India’s Gujarat, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully evacuated 65 people stranded at sea and on land in the past 48 hours. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of more heavy rainfall in the Saurashtra and Kutch regions, issuing an orange alert for multiple districts.
The incident took place southwest off the coast of Dwarka, a city located in the Devbhoomi Dwarka district on August 29.
Visuals showed a flooded area and a group of people stranded in a trolley being lifted to safety. The trolley, partially submerged in murky floodwaters, is hanging from a crane or winch system. Above, a helicopter hovers steadily with its rotors spinning, creating ripples on the water below. Rescuers in harnesses are carefully helping the stranded individuals, one by one, into the helicopter. The passengers, including men, women, and children, appear anxious but relieved as they are guided into the aircraft. The scene captures the tense yet hopeful moment of rescue as the helicopter prepares to transport them to a safe location away from the flooded zone.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) continues its heroic rescue operations in Gujarat, where massive floods have wreaked havoc due to incessant heavy rainfall. On the morning of August 29, 2024, an ICG helicopter evacuated four crew members from the fishing boat ‘Dostana,’ stranded southwest off Dwarka in precarious conditions.
In a series of back-to-back rescue operations, the Coast Guard also evacuated 15 civilians trapped on rooftops in the flooded areas. Over the last 48 hours, ICG’s Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) have successfully rescued 65 individuals from both sea and land. The ICG remains committed to ensuring safety and support for those affected by the floods.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain for Gujarat, which is already reeling from the destruction caused by heavy downpours. The IMD has predicted moderate to heavy rainfall today, with extremely heavy rain expected in the Saurashtra and Kutch regions on Friday. An orange alert has been issued for districts such as Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Dwarka for Friday, August 30.
Several parts of the state are expected to experience moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms. The IMD has also issued a warning for the Saurashtra and Kutch regions, predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall until August 31.
In response to the cyclonic storm warning, Kutch District Collector Amit Arora issued a public advisory urging locals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Authorities are on high alert, and rescue operations by the ICG and other agencies are continuing as the state braces for more potential flooding.