Death toll in India’s Gujarat floods reaches 35

NEW DELHI, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) — Death toll in rain-related incidents in the western Indian state of Gujarat has risen to 35, local media reports said Thursday.
Heavy rains continue to lash several parts of the state for the fourth straight day. Amid incessant rainfall, a runway side wall of the Rajkot International Airport collapsed on Thursday morning.
According to officials, the relief and rescue operations in the affected districts of the state are underway.
Nearly 18,000 people have been evacuated from the flood-hit areas and over 40,000 shifted to safer locations.
Despite a temporary pause in rainfall, Vadodara struggled with severe flooding in extensive low-lying areas after the Vishwamitri River, which runs through the city, overflowed its banks and inundated residential neighborhoods, flooding buildings, roads and vehicles.
Waterlogging and inundation have been reported in several areas after water from Ajwa Reservoir and Pratappura Reservoirs was released into the Vishwamitri River.
Officials said 140 reservoirs and dams, and 24 rivers in the state were flowing above the danger mark.
On Wednesday, Saurashtra regions like Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot and Porbandar received between 50 mm and 200 mm of rain in 12 hours. Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka received 185 mm of rain during this period, the highest in the state.
The rains have also disrupted vehicular movement, train services and flight operations in the state.
Amid heavy rains, Vadodara is facing an unusual threat of crocodiles. The overflowing Vishwamitri River, which is home to 300 crocodiles, has led to these reptiles venturing into human settlements, causing panic among residents. On Thursday, several crocodiles were spotted resting on the roof of a house and on streets. ■