Gujarat: Bharuch officials told to maintain 24-hour vigil as heavy rain threat looms

Bharuch, July 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Bharuch district administration has been directed to maintain round-the-clock monitoring and strengthen emergency preparedness after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red alert' for parts of South Gujarat, with authorities instructed to ensure that rescue operations, healthcare services and public safety measures remain fully operational in anticipation of heavy rainfall.

Minister of State for Health and Bharuch District In-Charge Minister, Praful Pansheriya, chaired a review meeting with senior district officials through video conference from Surat on Friday to assess preparedness for any rain-related emergencies.

The meeting was attended by Bharuch Collector Navnath Kondiba Gavhane, the District Development Officer (DDO) Yogesh Shivkumar Kapase, the Superintendent of Police Akshayraj Makwana and other senior officials.

During the review, Pansheriya instructed the district administration to remain on high alert and maintain continuous monitoring of the situation.

He directed officials to complete foolproof advance planning for relief and rescue operations to minimise the risk of any untoward incidents in the event of heavy rain or flooding.

The Minister also asked authorities to keep a close watch on all vulnerable locations across the district and ensure that emergency response systems remain fully prepared to protect residents.

He reviewed the prevailing rainfall situation in Bharuch and sought updates from officials on preparedness measures already put in place.

Giving priority to healthcare during any potential emergency, Pansheriya directed the administration to identify all pregnant women expected to deliver within the next two days and shift them, on a priority basis, to the nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC) or Community Health Centre (CHC).

He said the measure was intended to ensure that pregnant women could receive timely medical care even if heavy rain or flooding disrupted transport or delayed access to hospitals.

"All pregnant women who are likely to deliver within the next two days should be shifted on priority to the nearest PHC or CHC so that there is no delay or difficulty in reaching hospitals during heavy rainfall or flood-like situations and they receive timely and appropriate treatment," Pansheriya added.

The Minister also appealed to residents to exercise caution against the risk of electric shocks during the adverse weather conditions.

In addition, he urged people not to believe or circulate rumours during any emergency and appealed to the media to help counter misinformation by ensuring that only verified information reaches the public.

Source: IANS