Floods – Gujarat Flood Rescue Operations Expand as Thousands Shifted to Safety
Floods – Heavy rainfall continued to disrupt normal life in several parts of Gujarat, prompting large-scale rescue and relief operations by multiple emergency agencies. Authorities have intensified efforts to evacuate residents from waterlogged areas while senior officials remain on alert to oversee the evolving situation.
NDRF Rescues Dozens from Flood-Hit Navsari Village
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) successfully evacuated 67 people from flood-affected Sarikhurad village in Navsari district. Those rescued included 25 women and 22 children who had become stranded after rising water levels cut off access to the area. The operation was carried out by the NDRF’s 6th Battalion after local civil authorities sought immediate assistance. Rescue teams continue to remain active as flood conditions persist in several locations.
State Leadership Closely Monitors the Situation
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi have been regularly reviewing developments in the flood-affected districts. Sanghavi visited Navsari to inspect the ground situation and instructed officials to ensure there are no gaps in rescue operations, evacuation planning, relief distribution, or public safety arrangements. The state government has emphasized coordinated action to minimize the impact of the ongoing emergency.
Additional Officers Deployed to Strengthen Relief Work
To improve the speed and efficiency of relief efforts, the Gujarat government has assigned 10 senior officers to Valsad district with immediate effect. Their role is to support local authorities in managing rescue activities, coordinating resources, and ensuring timely assistance reaches affected communities as heavy rainfall continues to challenge the region.
Large-Scale Rescue Operations Continue in Valsad
Emergency response has been intensified across Valsad district, where multiple agencies are working together to assist residents in flooded areas. The deployment includes 70 Army personnel supported by five boats, along with five NDRF teams, five State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, and 25 Fire Brigade personnel. Authorities have already relocated more than 500 residents from the rural areas of Umargam, Vapi, Dharampur, and Pardi talukas to safer shelters as a precaution against rising floodwaters.
Heavy Rain Causes Widespread Disruption in Navsari
State Finance Minister and Navsari District In-charge Minister Kanubhai Desai reviewed the flood response at the district Disaster Control Room after continuous rainfall affected several areas. During the meeting, District Collector Manish Gurwani reported that the district had recorded an average rainfall of 4.5 inches up to 2:00 p.m. He also informed officials that the Juj and Keliya dams had overflowed, nearly 250 roads had been closed due to flooding, and around 3,000 residents had already been moved to safe shelters.
The minister directed officials to maintain proper healthcare facilities, sanitation services, and effective coordination among all departments operating at relief camps to ensure essential services remain available for displaced families.
Rescue Efforts Expand to Tapi and Surat
Flood rescue operations have also been carried out in Tapi district, where the SDRF evacuated 11 villagers trapped after floodwaters submerged Dhodiyawad Faliya in Dolvan taluka following extremely heavy rainfall.
In Surat city, emergency teams have been conducting rescue missions throughout the day and night. More than 50 people were safely evacuated from Geeta Nagar in Limbayat, the Shitala Mata Mandir locality in Varachha, and Krishna Nagar in Udhna. Officials stated that a total of 2,244 residents from Surat city and another 2,603 people from rural parts of the district have been rescued and shifted to relief centres and other secure locations as authorities continue monitoring weather conditions and flood risks.