Search Continues After Botad Tragedy Takes Lives

Gujarat, June 18, 2025:

Officials confirmed that search and rescue efforts are underway after a devastating incident occurred early this morning in Botad district when an Eco car carrying nine passengers was washed away by floodwaters, leaving four people dead and three others missing. 

The car was probably moving at a shared tempo when it got caught in the current, according to Inspector Vinay Kumar Bhati, team commander of the NDRF's 6th Battalion, who spoke to ANI. Reaching the location proved challenging, he explained: "We hurried to Botad but discovered that all roads to the city were blocked due to the waterlogging … We arrived in the town at approximately 7:30 p.m. with the assistance of the district administration.”

Two passengers were taken to the hospital after being rescued right away. Unfortunately, four occupants' bodies have since been found. Three people are still missing, according to authorities, and the NDRF is stepping up its search. "The incident happened yesterday morning," Bhati stated, characterizing the vehicle as an Eco car that was transporting nine people. Botad's severe weather is a symptom of a larger problem. Water levels in the Saurashtra region have risen due to heavy monsoon rains, causing the Khambhada dam to release water and causing widespread flooding in Gadhada and the surrounding areas. In the midst of this ongoing flood, NDRF and SDRF teams are stationed throughout Gujarat.

Multiple rescue teams have been activated in response to the rains, which have caused at least 18 fatalities throughout the state, according to State Emergency Commissioner Alok Pandey on Tuesday. Despite blocked roads and strong currents, locals have provided vital assistance by trying to support rescue efforts. As they continued to search submerged interior zones until 3:30 am, NDRF personnel reported damage to their vehicles during the operation. Bhupendra Patel, the chief minister, has urged people to exercise extreme caution and stay away from flooded areas until things improve. Authorities are keeping a careful eye on dam water levels and organizing evacuations and relief activities as needed.

This tragedy brings to light the significant difficulties Gujarat faces during the monsoon season. Although the monsoon is essential for restocking reservoirs, it also increases the risk of waterlogging and flash floods, especially in low lying areas like Botad. In addition to stressing the value of community support and prompt alerts in such situations, the NDRF insists that efforts will not stop until the missing are located. Officials hope to find the remaining passengers soon, and search efforts are ongoing.