Surat has been facing severe flooding due to heavy rains over the past few days. On Monday and Tuesday, the city received more than 16 inches of rain, causing chaos in low-lying areas. Many homes are submerged, and roads are impassable. The situation has been alarming for residents, especially for the elderly and those with health issues. One such case is Rehman Shah, a 65-year-old man living in Kamrunagar. On Wednesday afternoon, he suffered from chest pain, but reaching a hospital was difficult due to the flooding. His family called the Fire Department for help.
A rescue team from Mandarwaja fire station arrived quickly. They waded through chest-deep water to reach Shah’s home on the first floor. After carefully lifting him onto a stretcher, they walked nearly 20 minutes to the ambulance. Fortunately, Shah was taken to SMIMER Hospital, where he was reported stable.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by thousands of residents in Surat. Many people are stranded in their homes or have relocated to upper floors to avoid the floodwaters. The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has been active in providing assistance. They are distributing food, water, and medicines to affected families. Health screenings are also being conducted to find those in need of medical help.
The worst-affected areas include Limbayat, Udhna, Varachha B, Katargam, and Sarthana. Many residents have taken shelter with relatives or are staying on higher floors of their homes. The mayor, Daxesh Mavani, and Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agrawal visited some of these areas on Wednesday, offering their support to locals.
According to the Central Flood Control Room, the water levels in Surat’s creeks on Wednesday were concerning but not at critical danger levels. For example, Kakra Creek was at 6.30 meters, below its danger level of 8.48 meters. Similarly, Mithi Creek was at 8.85 meters, close to its danger threshold.
Although the rainfall eased on Wednesday, the impact of the previous days’ downpour continued to affect daily life. Many roads were closed due to flooding, and police were set up to restrict access. The SMC is working hard to drain the water and restore normalcy in the city. They have deployed a large number of sanitation workers and medical teams to assist residents.
Health services have been ramped up. Over 36 medical response teams have surveyed the area, treating around 330 people for various illnesses caused by the flooding. Residents are advised to use boiled water and maintain hygiene to prevent disease.
Despite the challenging conditions, officials have confirmed that no casualties have been reported in Surat due to the flooding. The situation remains serious, and residents are urged to stay safe and follow the guidance provided by local authorities. As the region continues to deal with the aftermath of the heavy rains, efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety and health of all affected residents. The SMC is committed to restoring normalcy as quickly as possible, and further rain is expected, keeping emergency teams on high alert.
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