Gujarat Rain : 800 Evacuated in Valsad as Rising Auranga River Triggers Flood Alert

VALSAD : The rising waters of the Auranga River have triggered a flood alert in Valsad district, prompting authorities to evacuate around 800 residents from low-lying areas as heavy rainfall continues to lash South Gujarat. The district administration has urged people living near riverbanks to move to safer locations as a precautionary measure.

Following incessant rains and increasing water levels in the Auranga River, Valsad District Collector Nitin Sangwan and District Development Officer Atirag Chaplot appealed to residents of vulnerable areas to shift to government shelters.

People from Bhagdakhurd, Bhagdawda, Lilapor, Bhadeli Jagalala, Kashmir Nagar, and other low-lying areas have been relocated to safer places.

“The safety of citizens is our top priority. People living near rivers and low-lying areas should cooperate with the administration and move to safer locations to avoid any risk,” officials said.

According to rainfall data from the last 12 hours, Dharampur recorded the highest rainfall of 198 mm, followed by Valsad with 121 mm. Pardi received 85 mm, Nanapondha 73 mm, and Kaprada recorded 69 mm of rainfall.

Heavy rain and waterlogging have also disrupted road connectivity in the district. A total of 123 roads have been closed for traffic, including 122 panchayat roads and one state highway.

Dharampur reported the highest number of road closures at 47, followed by Valsad with 36, Pardi with 20, and Kaprada with 15.

Collector Nitin Sangwan appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers, drains, and dam sites.

“In case of any emergency, citizens should immediately contact the district control room and avoid taking risks,” he said.

The administration continues to monitor the situation closely as heavy rainfall persists across Valsad district.