Surat has faced serious flooding due to continuous rainfall over the past three days. The heavy rains have particularly affected low-lying areas, with Limbayat being one of the hardest hit. This area is home to many migrant workers in the textile and industrial sectors. The overflow of local creeks has made the situation even worse.
The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has responded quickly. They have set up relief camps in municipal schools to provide shelter for around 227 affected residents. Efforts are ongoing to drain water from the submerged areas and restore normalcy.
From June 23 to June 26, Limbayat received an astonishing 459 mm of rainfall. This amount is nearly 30% of its total seasonal monsoon quota. Heavy rains in upstream areas also led to rising water levels in Mithi Creek and Koili Creek. The water levels reached 8.85 m and 7.50 m respectively. Thankfully, by Friday, these levels began to drop due to sea tides, measuring 7.35 m and 6.75 m.
During this period, the Limbayat control room received 36 complaints about waterlogging. Out of these, 15 complaints have been resolved, and work is still ongoing to address the remaining issues. Residents from various localities, including Mithikhadi, Halpativas, Mandarwaja, Railrahat, and Parvatpurva, were rescued and moved to seven relief camps. Those living near Koyali Creek were relocated to centers set up at the Umarwada Community Hall and nearby schools.
As the water levels began to recede, some residents started returning to their homes on Friday. However, the situation remains delicate. Reports indicate that between June 24 and June 27, over 2.24 lakh people underwent health screenings, with 1,215 receiving on-the-spot treatment. The SMC has distributed 40,275 food packets and 20,800 water bottles to those in need. Of the ten flood-affected roads, eight have now reopened, improving connectivity in the area.
In one notable rescue, a pregnant woman was saved from Khadipur and taken to a hospital by the fire department. This highlights the ongoing efforts by local authorities to ensure the safety and health of residents.
Surat Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agrawal has been actively visiting the affected areas, particularly Limbayat. She is monitoring the relief and restoration efforts closely to ensure that aid reaches those in need.
This flooding situation is not unique to Surat. Many states across India have been experiencing severe weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued fresh weather warnings on June 25 as the monsoon intensified. Flooding, lightning, and strong winds have affected various regions, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana. Satellite imagery has shown large areas submerged under floodwaters in these states.
In Gujarat, extremely heavy rainfall has been reported in several districts, including Surat, Nandod, and Dahod. The Tapi River, which runs through Surat, has swollen due to the heavy rains, leading to waterlogging in many residential areas. Some villages have been completely submerged, creating a flood-like situation.
The rainfall in Surat was significant, with 346 mm recorded in 24 hours ending at 6 am on Tuesday. There was an additional 66 mm in the following 12 hours, showing the relentless nature of the downpour.
As local authorities work tirelessly to manage the crisis, the community’s resilience and support for one another are vital. The situation remains critical, and continued monitoring is needed as the region recovers from this severe weather event.
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