Surat: Heavy rain lashed Surat and several parts of South Gujarat from the wee hours of Friday, prompting authorities to issue a red alert for all districts in the region as widespread waterlogging and a flood-like situation disrupted normal life.In Surat city, floodwaters entered residential localities in Udhna, forcing the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) to shift residents to safer places. With several roads submerged and water levels continuing to rise, the civic body suspended operations on 28 bus routes.The Federation of Surat Trade and Textile Associations announced the closure of all textile markets in the city due to the flood-like situation. Police teams visited textile markets on Ring Road, using public announcement systems to urge traders and workers to evacuate. Authorities also specifically advised people to clear basements and move to safer locations.Surat district collector Tejas Parmar directed industries across the city to suspend operations on Friday and Saturday, citing forecasts of continued heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding.Rainfall was particularly intense between 6am and noon. In Surat district, Umarpada taluka recorded the highest rainfall at 203mm, followed by Bardoli 95mm, Palsana 93mm and Mangrol 84mm. In Tapi district, Songadh received 96mm and Ukai 93mm, while Navsari city recorded 91mm. In Bharuch district, Netrang received 115mm, Ankleshwar 73mm and Bharuch city 70mm rain.Emergency response teams were deployed across the affected districts. One National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, three State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and two Army teams were kept on standby in Surat. Tapi deployed two SDRF teams, while Valsad had one NDRF and one SDRF team. Dang stationed one SDRF team, Navsari had one NDRF, three SDRF and two Army teams, and Bharuch kept one NDRF and one SDRF team ready for emergency response.By Friday afternoon, authorities had shifted 2,082 people to safer locations in Navsari district, 1,245 in Tapi district and 1,221 in Surat district as a precaution amid the continuing heavy rainfall.
