Thousands Evacuated As Cyclone Builds Off Gujarat Coast

Photo: Reuters/Amit Dave Tpx

AHMEDABAD, (REUTERS) – Heavy rains battered India and Pakistan’s coastal areas along the Arabian Sea, flooding cities in Gujarat and forcing thousands of people from their homes, with authorities predicting a cyclonic storm to develop by August 30.

People waded through waist-high waters that partly submerged vehicles and roads in parts of the state.

At least 28 people have died this week from rain-related incidents in the state, officials said, as meteorologists in India and neighboring Pakistan warned that more heavy downpours and strong winds were expected to lash the coast.

More than 18,000 have been evacuated since August 25 from cities near the coast, disaster management authorities said. The army was also involved in relief efforts in the state, which was hit last year by cyclone Biparjoy, damaging infrastructure and leading to the evacuation of more than 180,000 people.

Heavy rains also lashed Jamnagar, home to the world’s largest oil refinery complex, owned by Reliance.

At nearby Vadinar, Nayara Energy, backed by Russian groups including its largest oil producer, Rosneft, runs another refinery and officials said it is focused on rescue efforts.

The India Meteorological Department forecast extremely heavy rainfall in Gujarat’s Bharuch, Kutch and Saurashtra districts.