Morbi: Due to heavy rains in Morbi district, rainwater and water from the Machhu River have started entering several areas. As a precautionary measure to prevent any mishaps, the district administration has closed many roads to vehicular traffic. Residents from low-lying areas are being relocated to safer places, and traffic has been halted on the National Highway from Samkhiyali to Maliya.

Addressing the media, District Collector K.B. Zaveri stated that, in response to the situation last night, it was decided to release 50,000 cusecs of water from the Machhu-2 Dam. However, due to heavy rains in Wankaner and upstream areas, the water release was increased to 118,000 cusecs in the morning, eventually reaching 267,000 cusecs. As a result, the Machhu River is now carrying water down to Maliya, and Morbi town is also at risk of flooding. Consequently, evacuations of low-lying areas have been underway since last night.

He further mentioned that 10 special teams have been formed for the relocation of people, and these teams are actively working on the ground. Around 30 shelters have been identified in the district for the evacuees, with arrangements made for accommodation, food, and drinking water. Health teams have also been mobilized. After surveying potentially affected areas and villages in Morbi district, officials, including the Mamlatdar and Taluka Development Officer, have been deployed.

To ensure there are no delays in providing assistance during emergencies and to manage the situation effectively, traffic on the National Highway from Samkhiyali to Maliya has been stopped in consultation with the Kutch and Surendranagar district administrations. Traffic has been diverted from Samkhiyali to Radhanpur for safety reasons.

On a separate note, people have been gathering on the bridge in Morbi to view the Machhu River, leading to traffic issues in the city. For the sake of traffic management and public safety, residents of Morbi city are urged not to visit the river area or the bridge. DeshGujarat