Heavy Rains Trigger Floods in Surat, 150 Evacuated

Surat : In the wake of continuous heavy rains, Surat, popularly known as the diamond city, is facing widespread flooding, leaving civic officials at the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on high alert. On Monday, Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal convened an urgent meeting with senior SMC officials to assess the damage, particularly in the Katargam, West, and Central zones, which have been severely impacted by the relentless downpour.

In the meeting, Surat municipal commissioner Shalini Agarwal stated that all affected areas are being closely monitored and mapped. While the authorities do not wish to induce panic, Agarwal emphasized the importance of proactive measures and assured that warnings will be issued to specific areas if needed. The civic teams are continuously surveying the affected zones, and the control room has been operational around the clock to manage the situation effectively.

Already, 152 residents from the Katargam and West zones have been relocated to safer areas due to severe flooding in low-lying neighborhoods. Notable affected locations include Sabrinagar in Katargam, the area behind Pal RTO in the West Zone, and Revanagar and Dhakka Owara in the Central Zone, where floodwaters have inundated homes and streets. Authorities are continuing to monitor these areas closely as the situation develops.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has also been actively engaged in overseeing the city’s response efforts. During a video conference from Gandhinagar, Patel received detailed updates from SMC officials on the current conditions in Surat and emphasized the need for swift action to protect residents and prevent further damage.

The city’s drainage system has been under immense strain, with floodwaters backing up due to the closure of floodgates after heavy water releases from the Ukai reservoir into the Tapi River. This has led to increasing scenes of disaster as floodwaters have gushed into Surat’s low-lying areas, submerging roads and buildings.

One of the most affected regions is Sethi village, where the Kim River has overflowed its banks. The road leading to the village has been closed for three days due to rising water levels. Additionally, a low-level bridge over the Kim River has been completely submerged, halting all traffic and leaving residents stranded.

With more rain forecasted in the coming days, civic authorities in Surat are preparing for further challenges. While efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the floods, the situation remains precarious as rivers continue to swell, and additional evacuations may be necessary.