House in Gujarat's Gondal Collapses, Three Rescued

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Three people rescued from a collapsed house.
- Incident occurred during renovation work.
- One individual hospitalized for treatment.
- Emergency services quickly responded to the scene.
- Investigation launched into structural safety.
Gondal, Feb 20 (NationPress) Three individuals were rescued from the rubble of a house that collapsed in Sahajanand Nagar located in Gujarat's Rajkot district on Thursday.
The incident transpired during renovation work on the property, prompting locals and authorities to launch a rescue operation.
All three victims were safely extricated, with one requiring hospitalization for treatment.
The event caused confusion in the vicinity, but alert residents promptly notified officials and participated in the rescue.
Emergency response teams, including the Fire Department, police, and municipal authorities, quickly arrived at the location. A crane was utilized to clear the debris.
The rescued individuals were identified as Sunil Vardhani, his spouse Usha, and his mother Mitaben.
While Sunil and Usha emerged unscathed, Mitaben was transported to the hospital for further care.
Local dignitaries, including police officials, the area MLA, and municipal representatives, visited the scene to evaluate the damage.
Authorities have initiated an inquiry into the structural integrity and safety protocols of the house undergoing renovation to avert future incidents.
Building collapses in Gujarat have raised alarms, with multiple occurrences noted in recent years.
In July 2024, a six-storey building in Surat's Sachin area fell, resulting in seven deaths and numerous injuries.
Previously, the Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat in October 2022 claimed 141 lives.
The Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) has been proactive in developing policies and guidelines to reduce such occurrences.
Founded after the 2001 earthquake, GSDMA seeks to bolster the state's resilience against various hazards through thorough planning and capacity enhancement.
Aside from structural failures, Gujarat contends with challenges from natural disasters.
For instance, in August 2024, intense rainfall caused significant flooding in coastal areas, leading to at least 28 fatalities and the evacuation of over 18,000 residents. The flood disrupted power supplies and presented serious challenges for affected communities.
To tackle these diverse challenges, the Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM) has played a vital role in capacity building and disaster risk management.
In its 2023-24 annual report, GIDM underscored its dedication to enhancing resilience via training programs, policy development, and community involvement.