Times News Network
Areas on and around VIP road in Surat inundated in water after city received rain since early morning
Surat: South Gujarat remained on high alert on Friday as intense rainfall lashed Bharuch, Navsari and Tapi districts, prompting large-scale evacuations and deployment of disaster response teams. Till 6pm, Netrang in Bharuch recorded 280mm (over 11 inches) of rainfall, followed by Vansda in Navsari with 250mm (10 inches) and Dolvan in Tapi with 238mm (over 9 inches).Authorities deployed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Army in the worst-hit districts to tackle any emergency. In Navsari, the Kaveri river crossed the danger mark of 19 feet by 6pm following heavy rainfall in its catchment area.In Bharuch, the district administration adopted a zero-casualty approach, with NDRF and SDRF teams stationed in Vagra, Ankleshwar, Valiya and Jhagadiya. More than 300 people were shifted to safer locations.Weather officials said Ankleshwar received 128mm, while Valiya and Bharuch town recorded 125mm each. Heavy rain inundated several parts of Bharuch city, while the roads and buildings (R&B) department closed 15 roads due to flooding. Rescue teams equipped with 26 boats and supported by around 400 disaster volunteers were deployed across the district.Navsari witnessed one of the largest evacuation drives, with over 4,200 people shifted to safer places. The administration prioritised the evacuation of pregnant women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, with 34 pregnant women moved to safety.Rescue operations were carried out by three SDRF teams, one NDRF team and an Army column. More than 130 roads were closed across the district. Vansda recorded the highest rainfall at 250mm, followed by Navsari town 189mm, Khergam 185mm and Jalalpore 150mm.In Tapi district, Dolvan recorded 238mm of rainfall, while Valod received 154mm. The R&B department closed 137 roads across the district due to overtopping and damage caused by heavy rains.The state administration remains on alert as heavy rainfall continues across south Gujarat, with rescue agencies monitoring the situation and carrying out evacuation and relief operations in vulnerable areas.
