In Viral Videos From Gujarat, Crocodiles Invade Flooded Streets In Residential Areas, Prey On Dogs

Amidst the floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Gujarat, incidents of crocodiles emerging and venturing into various human settlements across Vadodara are coming up, posing a threat to human life.

In a video shared by news agency PTI, a crocodile was spotted resting over the roof of a house in city’s Akota stadium area on Thursday. The residents were in a state of panic after seeing the crocodile in their neighbourhood.

In another video shared by a user on X, a crocodile was seen moving in flood waters with a street dog clutched into its jaws. After the crocodile’s videos went viral, residents claimed that it was not an isolated incident. As reported by Free Press Journal, groups of crocodiles have entered many localities in Vadodara due to the overflowing Vishwamitri River. Residents are now afraid of leaving their homes due to fear of crocodiles.

Over 3000 people rescued in Vadodara

The city is grappled with flooding in a large swathe of low-lying areas after the Vishwamitri river, flowing through the city, breached its banks and entered residential localities, inundating buildings, roads and vehicles. Over 3,000 people living in low-lying areas in and around Vadodara were shifted to safer places by teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and its state counterpart SDRF in wake of the flash floods.

The river crossed the danger mark of 25 feet on Tuesday morning following heavy rains and release of dam waters.

Meanwhile, the Army has been called in to carry out relief and rescue work in the city. Six columns of the Army are at present engaged in relief and rescue work in state, Health Minister and government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel said.

Gujarat rains

Rain-related incidents have claimed over 25 in three days in the costal state, while around 17,800 people were evacuated from flood-affected areas as heavy showers lashed parts of the state for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday.

PM Modi assures aid to home-state

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called up state chief minsiter Bhupendra Patel to take stock of the situation, and assured the Centre’s support to the state in tackling the natural disaster.

In a post on X, CM Patel said, “Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modiji had a telephonic conversation with me about the heavy rain situation in Gujarat and gathered details of the relief and rescue operations.” Modi provided guidance on protection of lives and livestock, and assured all necessary support and assistance from the central government, he said.

“Hon’ble Prime Minister is constantly monitoring the situation by showing concern about Gujarat. He has a deep affection for the people of Gujarat. During natural calamities and whenever needed, he always stands by Gujarat and the people of the state,” the CM added.

Patel directed authorities to deploy cleaning equipment and spray disinfectants in Vadodara city as soon as flood water starts receding. He directed that teams from municipal corporations of Ahmedabad and Surat, and municipalities of Bharuch and Anand be deployed in Vadodara for the purpose.

Rain forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast of extremely heavy rains in isolated parts of districts in Saurashtra on Thursday.

The Met Office said the deep depression over Saurashtra and Kachchh moved slowly during the past 6 hours and about 60 km N-NW of Bhuj (Gujarat). It will move west and southwest, emerge into northeast Arabian Sea, and intensify into a cyclonic storm on August 30.

On Wednesday, districts in the Saurashtra region such as Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot and Porbandar received between 50mm and 200 mm rains in 12-hour period ended 6 pm. Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district received 185 mm rainfall during this period, the highest in the state.

(With inputs from agencies)