Ahmedabad: Gujarat is battling one of its worst monsoon spells of the season, with incessant rainfall triggering widespread flooding, transport disruptions and large-scale waterlogging across several districts. South Gujarat has borne the brunt of the downpour, where overflowing rivers and creeks have inundated homes, roads and public infrastructure, prompting emergency response measures by the state government.
Heavy rainfall continued across the state on Wednesday, affecting normal life in multiple regions. According to official data, rain was recorded in 154 talukas between 6 am and 10 am, highlighting the widespread impact of the active monsoon system.
South Gujarat records exceptionally heavy rainfall
The heaviest rainfall was reported from Umargam in Valsad district, which received an extraordinary 35.67 inches of rain during the ongoing spell. Other areas also witnessed exceptionally high rainfall, with Kaprada recording 29 inches, Nanapodha receiving 25.31 inches, and Dharampur registering 20 inches.
The intensity of the rainfall increased overnight, with Umargam receiving 17.44 inches between 1 am and 6 am, followed by another 8 inches between 6 am and 10 am.
The relentless rain led to overflowing rivers, swollen creeks and widespread flooding, severely affecting daily life in several parts of South Gujarat.
Surat, Valsad and Navsari worst affected
The districts of Surat, Valsad and Navsari have emerged as the worst-hit regions, where floodwaters submerged residential areas, roads and public utilities.
In Surat, localities around Saroli Police Station were inundated, leaving many residents stranded inside their homes as water entered residential neighbourhoods.
In Saniya Hemad, the Khodiyar Mata Temple was completely submerged after creek water reportedly rose 10 to 15 feet above its normal level. Several surrounding areas were also cut off as floodwaters spread rapidly.
Authorities said the flooding disrupted access to numerous localities, forcing residents to depend on rescue teams for evacuation and essential supplies.
Rail services disrupted
The heavy rainfall also affected transportation across Gujarat, particularly rail services.
Flooding on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai railway track led to the cancellation of several train services, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
Travellers were left stranded at Navsari railway station, where services were disrupted due to waterlogging on the tracks. Railway authorities have been monitoring the situation and undertaking necessary safety measures before resuming operations.
Road connectivity has also been affected in several districts due to submerged roads and overflowing water bodies.
Government steps up relief operations
As the flood situation worsened, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar to assess the ongoing relief and rescue operations.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed officials to remain on high alert and ensure timely assistance to all affected areas.
“The administration must remain fully alert and ensure that relief and rescue operations reach every affected area without delay,” he said while reviewing the situation.
Bhupendra Patel also held discussions with the district collectors of Surat, Valsad and Navsari to monitor the ground situation. The state government has deployed ministers and senior IAS officers to the worst-affected districts to oversee rescue efforts and coordinate relief measures.
Emergency teams have been working to evacuate stranded residents, restore essential services and provide assistance to those affected by the floods.
IMD issues rain alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the active monsoon system is likely to continue affecting Gujarat.
The weather department has issued a red alert for three districts of central Gujarat, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall on July 23.
Additionally, an orange alert has been issued for 11 districts, while 10 districts remain under a yellow alert, indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall and associated weather-related disruptions.
The IMD has cautioned that continued rainfall could result in further flooding, waterlogging, overflowing rivers and disruption to road and rail transport across several parts of the state.
Authorities have advised residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.
With rescue teams on standby and rainfall expected to continue, Gujarat remains on high alert as officials work to minimise the impact of one of the state’s most intense monsoon spells this year.