Gujarat CM reviews flood-like situation in Surat as heavy rain disrupts normal life
Surat, July 9
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday reviewed the flood situation in Surat during a meeting at the Surat Municipal Corporation office as authorities continued relief and restoration work following days of intense monsoon rainfall that inundated large parts of the city.
The review meeting was attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, State Finance Minister Kanu Desai, State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya and other senior officials.
In a post on social media platform X, Sanghavi said: "At the office of the Surat Municipal Corporation, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister C. R. Patil, a review meeting was held regarding the situation arising due to the rainfall."
The Chief Minister's visit came after exceptionally heavy rainfall triggered flooding across several parts of Surat, disrupting transport, affecting residential neighbourhoods and prompting large-scale rescue and relief operations.
State authorities have been monitoring the situation closely as water levels remained high in several low-lying areas.
According to official updates and reports, Surat received around 358 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending on Wednesday morning, leading to severe waterlogging and flood-like conditions across the city.
As per latest update, 7,386 residents were shifted or rescued from inundated areas by teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and other agencies.
Although rainfall eased on Thursday, floodwaters continued to affect several residential areas, roads, markets, commercial establishments and industrial zones, with civic authorities focusing on pumping out water, restoring essential services and assisting affected residents.
The heavy rainfall has also resulted in multiple rain-related deaths in the state, while emergency teams remain deployed as authorities continue relief measures and monitor weather conditions across South Gujarat.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of further spells of heavy rain in parts of the state, prompting officials to maintain a high level of preparedness.
— IANS
Reader Comments
358 mm in 24 hours is insane! Our infrastructure isn't designed for such extreme rainfall. Climate change is real and Gujarat needs to invest in better urban planning, not just relief operations. The loss of lives is heartbreaking. 🙏
Kudos to the rescue teams! NDRF and SDRF doing a great job as always. But why does it take a CM visit for things to speed up? Local bodies should be more proactive. Still, glad to see quick response this time compared to previous years.
Living in Surat, I can say the situation is bad but under control. Yes, some roads are waterlogged and low-lying areas suffered, but the authorities have been pumping water out continuously. Real issue is unplanned construction blocking natural water channels. We need long-term solutions, not just quick fixes. 🤔
As someone who works in disaster management, seeing 7,386 people rescued in such conditions is commendable. The monsoon intensity is increasing globally, and India needs more investments in climate-resilient infrastructure. CM Patel's proactive approach is appreciated, but the real test will be in the coming weeks if more rain is forecast.
Why is it always Surat and not other cities getting so much attention? Every year same thing. But I'm glad the CM and ministers are on the ground. Just wish they'd also focus on why the drainage fails every monsoon. Anyway, stay safe everyone. 💙
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