Gujarat continues to face one of its worst monsoon spells in recent years as relentless rainfall over the past three days has caused widespread flooding across several districts. The heavy downpour has forced thousands of families to leave their homes, disrupted transport services, and prompted large-scale rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army, and the Indian Coast Guard.
According to state officials, more than 38,000 people have been shifted to safer places, while 352 people have been rescued from flood-affected areas. The worst-hit districts include Valsad, Navsari, Ahmedabad, Kheda, and Dang, where overflowing rivers and waterlogged roads have severely affected normal life.
Umbergaon Receives Over 1,300 mm Rainfall in Just Two Days
Among the worst-affected areas is Umbergaon in Valsad district, which received an astonishing more than 1,300 mm of rainfall within 48 hours. The record-breaking rain submerged residential areas, damaged roads, and left several villages cut off from the outside world.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited the flood-hit region to review the situation. Officials informed him that around 12,376 people had already been evacuated from Umbergaon alone to protect them from rising floodwaters.
To speed up relief efforts, the Gujarat government has deployed 17 senior officers in Valsad to oversee rescue and rehabilitation work. The Deputy Chief Minister also directed officials to coordinate with insurance companies to ensure quicker claim settlements for traders and shopkeepers affected by the floods.
Thousands Relocated as Rescue Operations Continue
Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana said that nearly 38,000 people have been relocated, mainly from Navsari and Valsad districts. While most families have taken shelter with relatives, around 2,000 people have been shifted to government shelter homes.
Makwana also confirmed that one death has been officially reported in Tapi district, while information from other flood-affected areas is still being collected.
To strengthen rescue operations, four NDRF teams were airlifted from Odisha to Surat and deployed in Navsari and Valsad. One additional team remains on standby, while Army columns have also reached the affected districts, with more teams ready to be deployed if required.
Massive Rainfall Recorded Across Gujarat
Heavy rainfall was reported in several districts across Gujarat during the 24 hours ending Friday morning. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC):
Mehmedabad (Kheda) recorded the highest rainfall at 507 mm.
Dholka (Ahmedabad) received 473 mm.
Chikhli (Navsari) recorded 451 mm.
Umbergaon (Valsad) and Khergam (Navsari) each received 434 mm.
More than 35 talukas recorded over 200 mm of rainfall during the same period.
Rain continued in Deodar, Mehmedabad, Patan, Amreli, and Banaskantha, keeping officials on high alert.
Rivers Overflow, Roads Flooded and Transport Hit
Several rivers, including the Ambika, Par, Auranga, and Daman Ganga, were flowing above the danger mark, causing floodwaters to spread into nearby low-lying areas.
In Navsari, the Ambika and Kaveri rivers crossed the danger level, while the Poorna River was close to overflowing.
The flooding severely disrupted transport and daily life. Around 247 roads in Navsari district were closed due to waterlogging. In Ahmedabad, several underpasses were shut as roads went underwater.
Rail services were also affected, with five Mumbai-bound trains cancelled because railway tracks in south Gujarat were flooded.
To ensure public safety, the Gujarat government declared a holiday for schools and colleges in the worst-affected districts.
Coast Guard Airlifts Stranded Shrimp Farmers
One of the most challenging rescue operations took place in Navsari district, where at least 60 shrimp farmers were trapped in a remote flooded area.
Since floodwaters were too deep for rescue teams to reach by road or boat, the Indian Coast Guard launched a helicopter rescue mission. Officials said airlifting was the only practical option under the circumstances.
Videos released by the Gujarat Information Department showed Coast Guard helicopters rescuing people from the tin roofs of homes and buildings that had been almost completely surrounded by floodwaters.
The rescue operation was carried out in Mendar village of Gandevi taluka, where authorities continue to evacuate residents to safer locations.
Multi-Agency Rescue Efforts in Full Swing
Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Army, Coast Guard, and local administration are working together to evacuate stranded residents, distribute relief material, and restore essential services.
The Army’s Golden Katar Division has also rescued stranded people and provided emergency assistance in Valsad, Navsari, and Ahmedabad.
Officials said rescue teams remain on standby as weather conditions continue to be closely monitored.
Red Alert Issued in Three Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mahisagar, Panchmahal, and Dahod due to the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Kheda, Gandhinagar, and Anand remain under an orange alert, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and follow official advisories.
The weather department has indicated that the intensity of rainfall is likely to reduce from Monday, offering hope that flood conditions may gradually improve.
Relief Efforts Continue as Gujarat Faces the Challenge
As Gujarat battles one of the season’s most intense spells of rainfall, rescue agencies remain on the ground around the clock. Thousands of families have already been moved to safer places, while emergency teams continue to rescue stranded residents and provide relief in the worst-affected districts.
Although weather forecasts suggest that rainfall may ease in the coming days, authorities remain on high alert as rivers continue to flow at dangerous levels and floodwaters persist in several areas. The immediate priority remains ensuring the safety of residents, restoring essential services, and helping affected communities recover from the widespread impact of the floods.
Also Read: Ahmedabad Underwater: 45% Of Annual Rainfall Pours Down In A Single Day https://www.vibesofindia.com/ahmedabad-heavy-rain-flooding-45-percent-rainfall-one-day-waterlogging/
