Valsad Drenched by 36 Inches Rain, Surat Evacuates 2,244 Residents

SURAT/AHMEDABAD : South Gujarat remained in the grip of an unprecedented monsoon on Thursday as Umargam in Valsad district recorded a staggering 35.67 inches of rainfall since Thursday morning, triggering severe flooding, rescue operations, and widespread disruption. Torrential rain also lashed Surat and Ahmedabad, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) maintained a red alert for parts of Gujarat.

The worst-hit Umargam received 17.44 inches of rain between 1 am and 6 am alone, creating flood-like conditions across the town. Roads turned into rivers, luxury cars were submerged, and several residents were stranded inside flooded localities. Rescue teams deployed boats to evacuate people trapped by rising waters.

Kaprada received 29 inches, Nanapodha 25.31 inches, and Dharampur 20 inches during the same spell, highlighting the intensity of the monsoon across Valsad district.

“Rescue teams are working round the clock to shift stranded residents to safer locations. The administration is closely monitoring the situation,” officials said.

In Surat, nearly 4 inches of rain fell between 4 am and 8 am. Heavy inflows from upstream caused the Bhedawal and Seemada creeks to overflow, while several other creeks approached danger levels. As a precaution, the district administration shifted 2,244 residents living near creek banks to safer shelters.

Meanwhile, Ahmedabad witnessed intense rainfall after 9 am. Localities including Bopal, Jodhpur, Satellite, SG Highway, and Ambavadi received nearly 2 inches of rain within an hour. Water entered homes in Bopal’s Sterling City Society, while the D Cabin and Akhbarnagar underbridges were closed due to severe waterlogging.

The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall in parts of central Gujarat, issuing a red alert for three districts, an orange alert for 11 districts, and a yellow alert for 10 districts. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert as more heavy rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours.