Gujarat Rain: 3 Die in Electrocution, 2,000 Evacuated in Navsari
Three farm labourers died of electrocution on Friday morning in Gujarat’s Navsari district after a tempo truck they were travelling in came into contact with a live high-tension overhead electric wire in Gandevi, police said.
The deceased have been identified as Kalpesh Halpati, 30, Nitin Halpati, 32, and Jigar Halpati, 21, all residents of Gandeva village. Two other persons travelling with them were critically injured and have been admitted to a hospital in Kharel for treatment.
According to Gandevi Police Inspector N I Rathod, poor visibility caused by relentless downpours likely contributed to the accident. The tempo was heading from Gandeva village to a nearby farm when it came into contact with the high-tension wire.
The accident occurred as heavy rain continued to lash several parts of Gujarat, leading to waterlogging and disruption of normal life. In Navsari district, authorities have evacuated around 2,000 residents from low-lying and vulnerable areas to safer locations as a precautionary measure. Rescue teams equipped with boats have been kept on standby to conduct immediate operations in the event of flooding.
District administration officials said that several roads in the affected areas have been submerged, affecting vehicular movement and daily activities. They have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and to remain vigilant near waterlogged areas and electric poles.
The incident has underscored the risks of exposed and damaged power infrastructure during the monsoon. The fire and emergency services have cautioned residents against venturing into flooded streets where live electrical wires may be present. They have also urged people to report snapped or sagging wires to the electricity department immediately.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, the district administration announced compensation for the families of the deceased and said an inquiry has been initiated into the incident. Senior officials have visited the spot and ordered a detailed probe to determine whether any negligence was involved in the maintenance of the overhead wire.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Gujarat over the next 24 hours. Authorities in Navsari and neighbouring districts have been put on high alert, with disaster response teams prepared to deal with any emergency arising from the continued downpour.
Gujarat has been receiving widespread monsoon showers over the past week, and several districts in the southern part of the state, including Navsari, have recorded substantial rainfall. The incessant rains have disrupted power supply in many areas, with downed lines and transformer failures reported. Officials from the power utility have been working to restore services, but continued rainfall has hampered their efforts.
Local authorities have been urging farmers and labourers to use caution while travelling on rural roads during heavy rains. Many roads in the region run under high-tension lines, and the combination of rain and poor visibility increases the risk of accidents and electrocution.
