Authorities in Gujarat issued severe weather alerts for the state and the Saurashtra region as heavy rains on Tuesday inundated several areas, leading to the evacuation of nearly 20,000 people and causing three fatalities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more heavy rainfall in the coming days.

With extremely heavy rain forecast in multiple districts, a red alert has been issued for areas including Ahmedabad, Banaskantha, Rajkot, and Vadodara, among others. The weather event, attributed to a deep depression over Northwest Madhya Pradesh and East Rajasthan, has created a serious risk of floods and infrastructure damage.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a meeting with district officials to review the situation and coordinated with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to secure additional central assistance. Over 1,600 people have already been rescued with the help of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Coast Guard teams.

In Ahmedabad and other affected regions, heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging, damaged infrastructure, and interrupted traffic. Local rivers and dams are overflowing, prompting the relocation of residents from flood-prone areas. In Morbi and Sabarkantha districts, several people went missing after their vehicles were swept away in floodwaters.

Authorities continue to urge residents to stay indoors and avoid venturing near water bodies.