Indian Coast Guard Rescues 170 People as Devastating Floods Batter Gujarat, Daman
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has rescued 170 stranded people during an extensive flood relief operation across Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and South Gujarat, as relentless rainfall triggered severe flooding and disrupted normal life across the region.
Working in close coordination with the civil administration, the Coast Guard carried out 11 rescue missions since the night of July 22, battling heavy rain, powerful currents and hazardous weather conditions to evacuate people trapped in flooded areas.
The first operation began overnight in Khanvel, Silvassa, where five stranded people were brought to safety. Soon after, three fishermen stranded along the flooded riverbank in the Kadaiya coastal area were rescued.
One of the biggest rescue operations took place in the Welspun Industrial Area, where floodwaters completely cut off road access. Coast Guard teams safely evacuated 60 people trapped inside the industrial zone during an overnight mission.
Rescue operations continued across multiple locations over the next two days. Seven people stranded in a bus near Aero Fibre Pvt. Ltd. were rescued, while another ten people were evacuated from Dongri. A Coast Guard helicopter also airlifted four stranded residents from the Valsad-Pardi region, and eight more people were rescued overnight from the Reliance Industries area.
Among the most critical evacuations was the rescue of 10 people from Avadh Society, including a nine-month pregnant woman and another woman suffering from severe respiratory distress. Both were safely shifted for immediate medical treatment.
On July 24, two Coast Guard helicopters carried out another major air rescue in Mendar village of Navsari district, evacuating 33 stranded residents, including a person experiencing severe chest pain who received urgent medical assistance.
Despite continuous rainfall and dangerous operating conditions, Coast Guard personnel pressed on with rescue efforts, reaffirming the force's motto, "Vayam Rakshamah" (We Protect).
The Indian Coast Guard said it remains on high operational readiness and will continue supporting state authorities as flood conditions persist across affected parts of western India.