Man electrocuted, building collapses partially as heavy rains and storm batter Vadodara

Meanwhile, Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Arun Babu issued a video message, cautioning residents to stay indoors until the storm and rain subsided. In the video, Babu said, “The VMC teams are on the field and the work on clearing up roads will be undertaken during the night… It is an appeal to the citizens to not step out in the storm as the winds are blowing at high speed. It will be in their best interest to stay indoors until morning.”

As a precautionary measure, Madhya Gujarat Vij Corporation Limited (MGVCL) also shut down several feeders in the city and although power was restored in 70% areas of the city by 8.45 pm, about 127 feeders still remained shut. Superintending Engineer, Vadodara city Circle, MGVCL, PN Thanawala, told The Indian Express, “We carried out the precautionary shut down. The restoration work is ongoing in several areas”.

“Since at many places, the 11KV lines are underground in Vadodara city, there was no problem but due to trees falling in several areas, some overhead wires were damaged. We are still estimating the damage caused… Three poles fell and 127 feeders were shut, although the restoration work is ongoing.” said Thanawala.

Vadodara has a total of 345 feeders in the city.

The VMC officials shared that at least 52 trees had been uprooted in 30 places during the storm and roads were also blocked in some parts. The Vadodara Emergency and Fire Services Department as well as the Garden Department teams had started the work of clearing the roads.

During the storm, a dilapidated building in Nagarwada area also partially collapsed, according to sources. However, as the building was not inhabited at the time, there was no casualty. The debris from the building, however, damaged vehicles parked underneath while pedestrians had a narrow escape.