Surat: As floodwaters slowly receded from parts of Surat, residents of Parvat Patia and nearby creek-side neighbourhoods emerged from waterlogged homes to count losses running into lakhs.For many families, two to three days of isolation, damaged possessions and mounting repair bills have underscored a monsoon crisis they say has become an annual certainty.Residents of several affected societies remained trapped inside their homes for up to three days as floodwaters rose rapidly, forcing families to ration drinking water and depend on prophylactic medicines to guard against waterborne and vectorborne diseases.Ground floors of many houses were completely submerged. Residents shifted belongings to upper floors where possible. After the water receded, roadsides across the area were filled with discarded furniture, mattresses and household items damaged beyond repair. Large piles of ruined belongings could be seen outside several housing societies.“The entire ground floor of my home was submerged and remained like that for over two days. Residents have now realized that there is no solution to the issue and we will have to live like this,” said Dinesh Patel, a resident of Nandanvan Society.According to residents, the area has faced repeated flooding for the past eight years. They said repeated representations to the govt were met with assurances of corrective measures, but the situation returns every monsoon.Parvat Patia is located around a creek, and residents said overflowing water from the creek inundates surrounding housing societies. The creek receives runoff from upstream rural areas of the district. This year’s heavy rainfall, reported at over 18 inches across rural and urban areas, caused water levels to rise rapidly, leaving little time for residents to prepare.Authorities carried out dredging of creeks this year, but residents said it failed to provide meaningful relief.“The major loss is of electronics and appliances such as like fridges and TVs. Further, the damage to automobiles is also massive. Those who had insurance may get some money but it is a total loss for those who did not have proper insurance,” said Bhavesh Patel, a resident of Rushi Vihar.Thousands of vehicles such as two-wheelers, cars and goods tempos, were damaged in the flooding. Many owners are now considering selling their vehicles at reduced prices rather than spending thousands on repairs.
