Goa, Aug. 1 -- The Gujarat government has intensified disaster preparedness measures following forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to evacuate residents from vulnerable areas and place emergency response teams on round-the-clock alert.

The state administration acted swiftly after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted widespread heavy rainfall over the next two days in several districts, including Ahmedabad, Anand, Aravalli, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Dang, Gandhinagar, Kheda, Narmada, Navsari, Sabarkantha, Surat, Tapi, Vadodara and Valsad.

Authorities have advised residents to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors unless absolutely necessary as the state braces for adverse weather...