Surat: As heavy rains continued to batter Gujarat, Surat district witnessed flood-like conditions in several areas on Wednesday. At least nine people have died in rain-related incidents over the past few days, while the city recorded 358 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending Wednesday morning, officials said.
Large-scale waterlogging disrupted normal life, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes.
According to officials, more than 3,489 people were rescued, and 3,897 others were shifted from low-lying areas to relief centres.
Palasana taluka recorded the highest rainfall in the district, receiving 18.19 inches (462 mm) during the 24-hour period.
Surat city received 14.09 inches (358 mm) of rainfall between 6 am on Tuesday and 6 am on Wednesday, according to data from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). Although the rain eased later in the day, the situation remained grim in the city and surrounding areas.
Rain related accidents claim nine lives
"After heavy rains started lashing Surat district, nine individuals, including children, have been reported dead until Wednesday," Surat Disaster Deputy Mamlatdar Sajid Merujay told PTI.
The deaths were caused by electrocution in Mangrol, Rander, Maan Darwaja and Pandesara, a tree fall in Varachha, and drowning in a rainwater-filled pit in Sachin GIDC.
City submerged
As incessant rain lashed the city, floodwater entered several houses, commercial complexes and shops, submerging ground-floor establishments at Poddar Arcade in Varachha.
Public transport, including city bus services, was disrupted due to widespread waterlogging.
Videos circulating on social media showed people wading through knee-deep water, while many were seen pushing stalled two-wheelers through flooded roads.
"Due to waterlogging at 187 locations, a total of 3,489 people have been rescued and 3,897 shifted to relief centres," the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) said in a statement. It added that 12,218 food packets, 5,150 water bottles and 400 milk packets had been distributed.
Areas near creeks, including Limbayat, Udhna, Varachha and Kadodara, remain marooned, Surat Collector Tejas Parmar told PTI.
Food packets were also distributed to residents living in high-rise buildings located in waterlogged areas, he added.
NDRF teams deployed
Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and five teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to carry out rescue operations.
"Flood relief and rescue operations were carried out by NDRF Team 6 in the Mithikhadi area of Surat, with female personnel safely rescuing citizens," the Surat Collector said in a post on X.
NDRF teams were seen rescuing people from chest-deep water using boats, while police personnel carried children to safety.
"As a precautionary measure, a holiday has been declared for all schools, colleges and anganwadis in the district. Citizens are requested not to step out unless absolutely necessary," the collector said.
Meanwhile, residents and business owners expressed frustration over the severe waterlogging.
"I am a small businessman, and my shop is located in Yash Plaza Complex on Varachha Road. All the shops here are flooded, and shopkeepers like me are suffering financial losses due to the administration's failure to manage the situation," Mahesh Gadhiya told reporters.
Ruchita Savat said the ground floor of her house was completely submerged.
"We have not even received food packets yet. There is no electricity, food or access to basic necessities," she said.
Apart from Palasana, Kamrej taluka recorded 17.40 inches (442 mm) of rainfall during the same period. Bardoli received 9.37 inches (238 mm), while Ambika recorded 9.25 inches (235 mm).
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the situation during a Cabinet meeting in Gandhinagar and is scheduled to visit Surat and Valsad on Thursday.
He instructed ministers to visit rain-affected districts to oversee relief and rescue operations and personally assess the preparedness of district administrations and disaster management authorities, government spokesperson and minister Jitu Vaghani said.
Vaghani added that the Cabinet expressed condolences over 11 deaths reported in rain-related incidents across the state.
