1 2 Vadodara: Vadodara was grappling with its worst-ever floods in recent history after the flooding Vishwamitri River , passing through the heart of the city, overflowed into the city, leaving every nook and corner of the city deluged. The river breached the 35.25-foot mark, nine feet above the danger level, breaking the 19-year record when the city had recorded one of its worst-ever floods in 2005.
But the spread of the water in the city on Tuesday was much greater compared to the 2005 floods, which were caused by a breach in Pratappura. The spread of floodwater that spews out of the Vishwamitri usually is in the low-lying areas and residential colonies situated on the bank of the river. This time, the river water reached near Malhar Point Crossroads and the Havmor Crossroads on the Old Padra Road.
The river was at a level of 35.25 feet at Kalaghoda, which, along with eight other bridges, were closed for traffic movement. On the face of it, the level remained the same for several hours, but Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) stated that this was because after this level, the water starts spreading horizontally, inundating various areas.
The areas affected due to floods in the river included Sayajigunj, Sama, Akota, Mujmahuda, Vadsar, Kalali, Karelibaug, Harni, Jetalpur and Pratapgunj, among others. The water kept spreading to newer areas throughout the day as the discharge from Ajwa reservoir did not stop till Tuesday night. A VMC official said that water from storm water drains had also started entering some areas like Nizampura.
These discharged water in Vishwamitri, which was not accepting more water. Several areas also remained waterlogged even on Monday due to heavy rains on Saturday and Sunday. These included areas like parts of Ajwa Road, Sainath Marg opposite the new court building, and others.
All the major roads resembled rivers, schools, university campuses, and offices remained closed, trains got cancelled, and passengers missed flights as there was no way to reach the airport that was surrounded by waterlogged areas. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team rescued residents from Harni, PNT colony, Sama-Savli Road, and Dena chowkdi area of the city. From Sunrise Bungalows near Urmi School and hostel area on Sama-Savli Road, 52 residents, including 38 men, nine women, and five children, were rescued in a boat.
VMC standing committee chairman Dr Sheetal Mistry said that 5,538 persons were moved to safer locations in wake of the floods since Monday. Also, 1,210 were rescued as they were stranded in water. Teachers and staff stranded at the Kendriya Vidyalaya school sent SOS messages urging everyone to reach out to NDRF seeking rescue from the school premises.
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