The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), supported by rescue teams, successfully relocated approximately 7,600 individuals to safer locations on Wednesday, primarily from the flood-prone regions of Udhna, Limbayat, and Varachha, according to official reports.

Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan indicated that the city experienced 20 inches of rainfall since Monday, causing the water levels in local creeks to surpass safety thresholds. Consequently, educational institutions including schools, colleges, and anganwadis remained closed for a second day on Wednesday.

In addition to Surat city, the suburban areas of Kamrej (which received 16 inches) and Palsana (with 18 inches) also faced significant rainfall, severely affecting daily life. Reports of power outages emerged from Udhna, Varachha, Limbayat, Ved Road, and Sagrampura late Tuesday night.

Nagarajan stated, “The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert. Over the past 48 hours, starting from Monday, Surat has recorded more than 20 inches of rainfall. Water levels in Bhedwad and Mithi Creeks have risen above danger levels due to heavy rains upstream. We have successfully evacuated over 4,000 individuals and rescued an additional 3,600 to safer areas. In response to the crisis, we have distributed more than 20,000 food packets, 9,700 bottles of water, and 4,000 pouches of milk to those affected.”

With a brief respite from rainfall on Wednesday, the SMC initiated a health surveillance operation, conducting door-to-door visits. “We are reaching out to citizens still stranded due to water accumulation, ensuring they have access to medical care and food supplies. In areas where water has receded, our cleaning teams have been deployed. Simultaneously, we are conducting health surveys to identify any individuals in need of medical assistance. The situation is currently under control,” Nagarajan added.

The State Emergency Operation Centre in Gandhinagar dispatched six teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Surat to facilitate rescue operations in regions where water had infiltrated homes, shops, and factories.

In the early hours of Wednesday, these teams rescued 153 men, 67 women, and 35 children from the Shiv Shakti society located in the Dindoli area. The evacuees were provided shelter in SMC schools and community centers, along with food and drinking water.

Additionally, NDRF teams conducted rescue operations in low-lying areas of Khatodara. Personnel from the Sachin Police station also saved over 18 individuals trapped in Kharvasa, where rainwater had flooded their residences along the Dindoli-Bhatiya village road.

A police representative informed that the rescued individuals were brought to the police station, where they received food before being relocated to community halls.

The state government has appointed former municipal commissioner Shalini Agrawal as a Special Officer to oversee the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

Kamal Saiyed serves as a senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, delivering comprehensive coverage from Surat and the surrounding South Gujarat region, including the Union territories of Daman, Diu, and Dadra Nagar Haveli. With a reporting career at the publication dating back to 2007, he has emerged as a credible voice on the industrial, social, and political landscape of one of India’s rapidly developing urban centers.

His areas of expertise include:

• Industrial & Economic Reporting: Based in the “Diamond City,” Saiyed provides in-depth analysis of the diamond and textile sectors, tracking global market trends, local trade policies, and the socio-economic issues facing Surat’s manufacturing workforce.
• Civic & Infrastructure Reporting: He regularly covers urban development and public safety in Surat, including traffic violations and municipal initiatives.
• Public Safety: Investigating infrastructure shortcomings, fire safety compliance in educational and commercial buildings, and the progress of the Metro rail project.
• Political Reporting: Observing the shifting political dynamics among the BJP, Congress, and AAP in South Gujarat and neighboring Union Territories.
• Crime Reporting: Utilizing a robust network of sources to humanize crime narratives in his reporting region.

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