Watch: Crocodile measuring 15 feet surprises residents by wandering into Vadodara neighborhood amidst Gujarat rains
Heavy rainfall in Vadodara caused the Vishwamitri River to overflow, leading to severe flooding and the displacement of over 3,000 residents. The floods brought crocodiles into urban areas, with a 15-foot-long crocodile found at a house in Kamnath Nagar and another in Sama. Rescue efforts by the forest department and NDRF are ongoing, with the river flowing 9 feet above the danger mark.
Residents of Vadodara's Kamnath Nagar near Fatehgunj area were in for a surprise on Thursday morning by an unexpected visitor¡ªa huge 15-foot-long crocodile. The reptile had entered the colony sailing with the floodwaters from the nearby Vishwamitri River, which had risen after two days of incessant rains.
Crocodile safely captured by forest department
The massive crocodile was discovered lounging outside a residence, leading the community to promptly notify the forest department.
#GujaratRains
¡ª Dilip Singh Kshatriya (@Kshatriyadilip) August 29, 2024
After heavy rain in #Vadodara's Kamanath Nagar, a 15-foot crocodile was rescued by the forest department. The crocodile, which had entered a house in Kamanath Nagar, was found in the water.@NewIndianXpress @santwana99 @Shahid_Faridi_ @TheMornStandard pic.twitter.com/KWHLmWDlQZ
Members of the department came to the location and had to manage the event with extreme caution, given the crocodile's aggressive behaviour. After an hour of careful work, the team managed to safely capture the crocodile.
Severe flooding in Vadodara
Vadodara has been grappling with severe flooding due to the heavy rains, which have caused the Vishwamitri River to overflow. The river, home to around 300 crocodiles, has spilled into urban areas, leading to several such encounters. Another video that has gone viral shows a crocodile perched on the roof of a house, highlighting the extent of the flooding and the danger posed by these reptiles in the city.
VIDEO | Gujarat Rains: Crocodile spotted at roof of a house as heavy rainfall inundate Akota Stadium area of Vadodara.
¡ª Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 29, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz)#GujaratRains #GujaratFlood pic.twitter.com/FYQitH7eBK
The ongoing floods have displaced over 3,000 residents from low-lying areas in and around Vadodara. The Vishwamitri River, which cuts through the heart of the city, crossed its danger mark of 25 feet on Tuesday morning, and is now flowing at a height of over 34 feet¡ª9 feet above the danger level.
According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, Vadodara received 307 mm of rainfall between 6 a.m. and midnight on Monday, leading to widespread waterlogging. Although the rains have since subsided, the damage has been extensive.
This reminds me of 26 July,2005 - Mumbai Floods! Now its Gujarat!
¡ª Mumbai Nowcast (@s_r_khandelwal) August 27, 2024
Scenes from Vadodara??#GujaratRains pic.twitter.com/ecXHZLEa9n
¡°Hundreds of people living in flooded areas were forced to stay indoors, and their parking areas are under 6 feet of water, damaging the parked vehicles,¡± residents reported.
The floods have claimed at least 28 lives and forced thousands to evacuate their homes. Rescue operations, including efforts by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state teams, have been ongoing, with people being saved from their flooded homes and rooftops. The Indian Army has also deployed three columns to assist in the rescue efforts, according to PTI.
Also Read: 'Meanwhile in India': Viral video captures playful leopard engaging with commuters in Himachal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of more extremely heavy showers expected in 12 districts across the state, including Kachchh, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Rajkot, among others.
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