Ahmedabad Faces Severe Flooding as Rains Wreak Havoc in Gujarat

Ahmedabad has been severely impacted by relentless rainfall that struck the city on Thursday, leading to widespread flooding and significant disruptions. The situation escalated to such an extent that the Indian Army was called in to assist in various areas, while a major highway was shut down due to unsafe conditions caused by the excessive water flow. The Viramgam-Sanand stretch of the Ahmedabad highway was closed by the Ahmedabad Rural Police, effectively halting all vehicle movement in both directions. This closure followed the flooding of Ahmedabad's airport, which compounded the crisis affecting the largest city in Gujarat. As floodwaters surged, they engulfed even the most affluent neighborhoods, resulting in substantial damage to luxury vehicles and properties, with estimates of losses running into crores of rupees.

In response to the unfolding disaster, local officials, including Cabinet Minister Rishikesh Patel and Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, conducted inspections in the hardest-hit areas, such as Bopal. They engaged with residents affected by the floods, directing emergency services to expedite relief efforts. The authorities emphasized the need for sufficient manpower, machinery, and resources to be deployed immediately to assist in rescue and drainage operations. One notable incident involved the complete submersion of a residential complex on Drive-In Road, known as Indraprastha Tower, which drew comparisons to the flooding seen in Surat's Podar Arcade. Local traders reported devastating losses as their shops were entirely submerged, further highlighting the economic impact of the disaster.