With the water level of the Vishwamitri River reaching 35 feet, Gujarat’s Vadodara is witnessing a flood-like situation, confirmed Municipal Commissioner Dilip Rana on Tuesday.

The gates of the Ajwa and Pratappura dams have been temporarily closed to prevent further rise in water levels. Rana said that the decision will help reduce water inflow to the Vishwamitri river by 70-80 percent.

Read Also: IMD Issues Red Alert As Heavy Rainfall Grips Gujarat

Reportedly, at least 15 people have died in rain-related incidents. Over 23,000 people have been evacuated while more than 300 have been rescued across the state.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in the state for the next 48 hours. Extremely heavy rainfall has been predicted at isolated areas such as Saurashtra and Kutch. Meanwhile, an orange alert for heavy rainfall has been issued for central and south districts.

Addressing the dire situation, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences to families of the deceased and wished speedy recovery to those injured.

Gandhi also appealed to all Congress workers to provide help to those affected and the administration in relief and rescue work. “The government is expected to take all necessary steps to reduce the impact of this disaster, so that the affected people can move towards reconstruction and rehabilitation as soon as possible.

Read Also: Gujarat Lags Behind Jharkhand And Rajasthan In Quality Education

Party President Malliakarjun Kharge called the situation “extremely worrying,” and offered his condolences as well. Kharge requested the central government to ensure “more NDRF & SDRF teams.”

“We request the Central Govt to ensure more NDRF & SDRF teams. We are proud of our Armed Forces and Coast Guard, who are undertaking rescue efforts. Congress leaders and workers must coordinate all possible relief efforts, in this hour of tragedy,” he added in an X post.