Heavy Rains Batter Gujarat, 40,500 Evacuated in Large-Scale Relief and Rescue Operations

Gujarat mounted large-scale flood relief and rescue operations on Friday after heavy rains battered several parts of the state, leaving five people dead, forcing the evacuation of more than 40,500 people and resulting in the rescue of another 2,637.

A total of 49 teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army and Indian Coast Guard, were deployed across affected districts, particularly Navsari and Valsad in south Gujarat. The deaths were reported from Tapi, Valsad, Anand, Mehsana and Panchmahal districts.

Several areas recorded exceptionally heavy rainfall. Mehmedabad in Kheda received 507 mm of rain in 24 hours, followed by Dholka in Ahmedabad with 473 mm and Chikhli in Navsari with 451 mm. Umbergaon in Valsad received more than 1,300 mm in 48 hours, making it one of the worst-hit areas.

The Army and Coast Guard led major rescue efforts. Army columns were deployed in Banaskantha, Valsad, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, while Coast Guard helicopters conducted aerial surveys and rescued people stranded in floodwaters. At least 60 shrimp farmers were airlifted from a remote flood-hit area in Navsari, while more than 14,000 people were evacuated in the district.

In Ahmedabad, Dholka remained severely affected, with more than 430 people shifted to safer locations and around 40 rescued from waterlogged areas. The Army also rescued 100 residents from Bopal, which received 491 mm of rain over 36 hours. In Surat, 4,290 people were evacuated and 228 rescued.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the situation in Ahmedabad and directed officials to speed up relief and rescue operations. The state government has initiated Rs 40 crore in immediate financial assistance for affected people. Schools and colleges were also ordered to remain closed on Saturday.

The IMD issued a red alert for several central and north Gujarat districts, while orange and yellow alerts remained in force elsewhere. Rainfall intensity is expected to ease from Monday, though isolated heavy rain remains possible over the weekend.