Surat Battles Flood-Like Crisis as Red Alert Rain Claims Two Lives, Thousands Evacuated

SURAT : A flood-like situation unfolded across Surat on Tuesday as relentless torrential rain submerged roads, stranded commuters, disrupted transport and forced large-scale rescue operations. With the India Meteorological Department issuing a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in five Gujarat districts, Surat emerged as one of the worst-hit regions, recording nearly 7 inches of rainfall, while Kamrej received a staggering 8.5 inches by the afternoon.

The heavy downpour has already claimed two lives in Surat. A young girl died after being electrocuted, while a woman lost her life after being struck by lightning. Authorities fear the situation could worsen as rainfall continues and the water level in local creeks keeps rising.

Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan said flood waters from upstream areas, particularly Palsana, had significantly increased the water level in Surat’s creeks, prompting immediate rescue efforts.

“Around 2,100 people living in low-lying areas have been shifted to safer locations. NDRF and SDRF teams are joining local rescue operations to strengthen our response,” Nagaraj said.

Several residential localities remained inundated, forcing residents to seek help from tractors and boats. The Udhna Darwaja area witnessed nearly four feet of waterlogging, leaving vehicles stranded and commuters trapped. An ST bus carrying passengers was also stuck at the Sahara Darwaja underpass, though everyone onboard was safely evacuated.

In a heroic rescue, personnel from the Sarthana Police Station evacuated 49 people, including 37 children and 12 staff members, after floodwaters entered Adarsh Nirvasit School. Using ropes and wading through knee-deep water, the police safely brought every child to safety, earning widespread appreciation.

As a precaution, all primary, secondary, higher secondary schools and anganwadis under the Surat Municipal Corporation and municipal limits have been closed.

Across Gujarat, rainfall was recorded in 141 talukas between 6 am and 2 pm. Besides Surat, Palsana received 6 inches of rain. In Bhavnagar, all 59 gates of the Shetrunji Dam were opened by six feet following heavy inflows.

Navsari, also under a red alert, received around 70 mm of rainfall since morning. The district administration has directed all officers to remain at headquarters while maintaining 24-hour surveillance on the Purna, Ambika and Kaveri rivers. SDRF teams have been deployed and coordination with the NDRF has been intensified.

Heavy rain also wreaked havoc elsewhere in South Gujarat. In Sachin GIDC, factories and industrial units were flooded, causing extensive damage to machinery, raw materials and finished goods. Industrialists blamed poor drainage and inadequate pre-monsoon preparations for the losses.

In Valsad’s Umargam taluka, two cars were swept away in rainwater at Borlai village, though all occupants escaped safely. Meanwhile, motorists expressed anger after recently repaired portions of the Gundlav Bridge on NH-48 near Valsad developed large potholes following the first spell of monsoon rain, raising concerns over construction quality and road safety.

With five weather systems simultaneously influencing Gujarat, authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert as intense rainfall is expected to continue across South Gujarat.