AHMEDABAD: As Gujarat continues to grapple with one of its most intense monsoon spells in recent years, a Mehsana-based drone startup has joined rescue operations in flood-hit Dholka.The operation is carried out using unmanned aerial vehicles to locate stranded residents and deliver emergency supplies to areas cut off by floodwaters, news agency PTI reported.The deployment comes as large parts of south and central Gujarat remain inundated after days of torrential rain, with the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local authorities carrying out rescue operations across multiple districts.
Drone technology aids rescue efforts
According to a Gujarat government release, severe waterlogging in Dholka town of Ahmedabad district left several residents stranded in residential areas and schools.The incident shortly prompted authorities to seek assistance from Prime UAV, a drone startup based in Mehsana.Prime UAV founder and chief executive officer Pradeep Patel said the team rushed to Dholka soon after receiving information about the emergency.As conventional rescue vehicles could not access several inundated locations, the drone team, working alongside district officials and relief personnel, reached affected areas using tractors and boats.The drones conducted aerial surveillance even in darkness, helping rescuers identify stranded people and assess inaccessible pockets.The drones were also used to deliver food packets and drinking water in waterproof payload boxes to locations that boats and tractors could not reach.“Modern technology is used to save lives in times of disaster. As soon as we were informed that people were trapped in floodwaters in Dholka, our team reached with drones and started relief operations,” Patel said.Founded in 2019, Prime UAV is recognised by the Centre’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and develops customised drone solutions for aerial surveillance, mapping and disaster management.
Rescue operations continue in Dholera
Fresh rescue operations were also launched in Dholera after rising water levels in the Bhogavo River inundated nearby villages.According to Gujarat Police, district police, the district administration and NDRF teams jointly launched evacuation operations after heavy rainfall in upstream areas caused the river to swell.NDRF team commander inspector Basant said the force received an emergency call around 7.30am that more than 100 people were stranded in Petli village, news agebcy ANI reported.“We received a call this morning that approximately 100 or more people were stranded in Petli village and needed to be rescued. We have rescued 58 people so far. The rescue operation is still ongoing,” he said.
Army rescues over 790 people
The latest operations come a day after the Indian Army said it had evacuated more than 790 stranded people from flood-hit districts of south Gujarat, Ahmedabad and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.Rescue teams have been deployed across several severely affected districts as floodwaters submerged residential areas, roads and agricultural land.
Gujarat’s rainfall pattern turns dramatic
A week of intense rainfall has dramatically altered Gujarat’s monsoon pattern, with the state emerging among India’s wettest regions while parts of Saurashtra continue to face rainfall deficits.According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data for July 1-25, Valsad recorded 2,157.5mm of rainfall against its normal average of 681.9mm, making it the rainiest district in the country with 216% excess rainfall.In contrast, Devbhoomi Dwarka received only 36.3mm against a normal 180.6mm, leaving it among India’s most rain-deficient districts with an over 80% rainfall deficit.Overall, Gujarat has recorded 63% excess rainfall this July, second only to Odisha among Indian states.The state’s rainfall position has reversed sharply within a week, from a 31% deficit on July 20 to an overall 12% excess, following multiple intense weather systems that triggered widespread heavy rain.While the IMD has forecast a gradual decline in rainfall intensity over the coming days, authorities continue rescue, relief and restoration work in flood-affected districts as several areas remain waterlogged.(With agency inputs)
