Gujarat Faces Devastating Flooding Due to Heavy Rains
New Delhi: Heavy rains have wreaked havoc across southern and central Gujarat, leading to extensive flooding, widespread evacuations, and significant disruption of normal life. Torrential downpours, which began early this morning, have caused swollen rivers and overflowing dams to inundate low-lying areas and cut off several villages in districts including Surat, Bharuch, and Anand.
In response to the deluge, authorities have declared a holiday for schools and colleges in some affected areas. Rescue operations are underway, with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local fire teams deployed to assist those in distress. In Borsad taluka of Anand district, where 314 mm of rainfall was recorded within just four hours, around 400 individuals have been relocated to safer locations due to severe flooding.
Surat district has been particularly hard-hit, with areas such as Umarpada, Palsana, Kamrej, and Bardoli experiencing rainfall exceeding 200 mm over the past 24 hours. The city of Surat was inundated, forcing the relocation of approximately 200 people. A total of 132 roads in Surat district were blocked as a precaution.
Bharuch district has also faced extreme weather conditions, with heavy rainfall affecting talukas like Hansot, Jhagadia, Valia, Netrang, and Ankleshwar. The district administration has similarly announced a holiday for educational institutions and is closely monitoring waterlogging in Bharuch city.
In Navsari, flooding caused by the rising Purna river led to the relocation of around 150 individuals from Navsari and Bilimora. Rivers such as the Kaveri and Ambika are approaching dangerous levels, disrupting traffic as connecting rivers overflow.
The impact on rail services has been significant, with 11 long-distance express trains regulated and four local passenger trains cancelled due to rising water levels affecting railway bridges in Vadodara division. Train movement has since been restored on the down line.
Authorities have issued a red alert for Vadodara city, as the Vishwamitri river has swollen to 18.3 feet, with a flood warning in effect if it reaches 22 feet. The situation remains critical as rescue efforts continue and communities brace for further developments.
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