Gujarat is currently facing severe flooding that has wreaked havoc across several districts, including Vadodara, Dwarka, Morbi, Rajkot, Anand, Kheda, and Ahmedabad. The state has been experiencing heavy rainfall for nearly 10 days, which has led to widespread destruction. Amidst such a disastrous situation, the Swayamsevaks of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have joined the rescue efforts.
Swayamsevaks and other affiliated organisations are also playing a critical role in the relief operations. These workers are prioritising the rescue of trapped citizens, including women and children, and are delivering food supplies to residents in remote areas. In Jamnagar alone, they have rescued over 80 people.
Pankaj Rawal, a Swayamsevak from Saurashtra, reported that volunteers have successfully transported pregnant women to hospitals and distributed approximately 2,000 food packets. Additionally, a kitchen set up in Rajkot is serving around 1,000 people daily, with approximately 150 volunteers involved in food distribution in Tankara and Jamnagar.
In Vadodara, Rajkot, and Dwarka, water levels have surged to 10-11 feet, inundating lower-level buildings and causing immense distress to residents. The devastating floods have claimed approximately 30 lives.
In Vadodara, the Dr. Hedgewar Service Committee has been at the forefront of both evacuation and food distribution efforts. Deep Agarwal from the committee stated, “Such severe flooding in Vadodara is unprecedented. Everyone is distressed, and our Swaymsevaks are focusing on helping others, even as they leave their submerged homes behind.”
In response to the crisis, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the dire situation. The Prime Minister has pledged all possible assistance to help the state cope with the disaster. The scale of the flood underscores the severity of the crisis affecting Gujarat.
Efforts to address the emergency are underway, with both state administration officials and military personnel working tirelessly to evacuate flood-affected individuals to safer locations. In many areas, helicopter rescues are being conducted to reach those stranded.
Religious organisations are also actively participating in the relief efforts. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in Vadodara is providing extensive support to flood victims. Swaminarayan saints and followers are involved in preparing and distributing food packets across various areas, including Sama, Kalali, Vadser, Chapal, Chansad, and Vaghodia. Swami Gyananand, the media spokesperson for BAPS, reported that the organisation has distributed food packets to approximately 25,000 people and provided khichdi to about 10,000 individuals.
Similarly, the Swaminarayan Sanstha in Vadtaldham is contributing to the relief operations. Sant Shukdev Prasad Dasji from Gokuldham revealed that the organisation has distributed 4,400 meal plates, provided dry food to 3,200 people, and delivered grain kits to 140 families in need.
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