Floods – South Gujarat Faces Widespread Disruption as Rivers Overflow After Heavy Rain
Floods – Heavy rainfall across South Gujarat has triggered severe flooding in several districts, disrupting transportation, affecting residential areas, and prompting large-scale rescue operations by emergency response teams.
Rising River Levels Disrupt Daily Life
Persistent rainfall in South Gujarat has caused water levels in several rivers to rise sharply, with the Kim River overflowing after receiving a significant volume of water from upstream regions. The situation has resulted in extensive waterlogging across parts of Surat district, particularly in rural areas where roads and residential neighborhoods have been affected.
The flooding has interrupted daily activities, while several routes have become unsafe due to the fast-moving water. Local residents have been advised to remain cautious as authorities continue to monitor the changing conditions.
Key Road Link Closed Due to Flooding
One of the worst-hit locations is the Gaikwadi Road that connects Kosamba and Kim in Mangrol taluka of Surat district. The road has been shut for vehicular movement after the Kim River crossed the danger mark and floodwaters submerged the entire stretch.
Officials said the powerful current flowing over the road has made travel extremely risky. As a precaution, traffic has been diverted and people have been requested to avoid using flooded routes until water levels recede.
Residential Areas Experience Waterlogging
Floodwaters have also entered several nearby housing societies and residential colonies, leaving streets submerged and restricting movement outside homes. Many families have chosen to stay indoors as standing water continues to surround their neighborhoods.
The local administration has appealed to residents not to approach riverbanks or attempt to cross flooded areas. Authorities have stressed that public cooperation is essential to ensure safety while rescue and relief work continues.
NDRF Rescues Dozens in Navsari
Rescue teams have been actively responding to emergencies in the flood-affected districts. In Navsari district, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force rescued 67 people stranded by floodwaters in Sarikhurad village. Those brought to safety included 25 women and 22 children.
According to officials, the operation was launched by the NDRF’s 6th Battalion after receiving information from the civil administration about villagers trapped by rising water. Rescue teams remain deployed in vulnerable locations as weather conditions continue to be closely watched.
State Leadership Reviews Relief Measures
The flood situation is being regularly reviewed by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. Sanghavi visited Navsari to assess the situation on the ground and instructed officials to ensure that rescue, evacuation, relief distribution, and public safety arrangements remain fully operational.
The state government has also assigned 10 senior officers to Valsad district to strengthen coordination and speed up assistance for affected communities.
Large-Scale Rescue Operations Continue in Valsad
Relief efforts have intensified across Valsad district, where multiple agencies are working together to support the local administration. Around 70 Army personnel equipped with five boats have been deployed, along with five teams each from the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force. In addition, 25 Fire Brigade personnel are participating in rescue and emergency response activities.
Authorities said more than 500 residents from rural parts of Umargam, Vapi, Dharampur, and Pardi talukas have already been relocated to safer places as a precaution. Officials are continuing to monitor rainfall, river levels, and weather conditions while ensuring that relief operations reach affected families without delay.