Surat: Amid the forecast of heavy rains in Gujarat today, clouds have started wreaking havoc in Surat city and district since early morning. The city has been lashed with extremely heavy rainfall, recording up to 8.7 inches of rain within 8 hours since 6 am. The intense spell between 8 am and 10 am alone brought 5.3 inches of rain, leading to major waterlogging across the city. Waterlogged streets and submerged vehicles were seen in several areas.

With the water level reaching over 6 feet, the weir-cum-causeway on the Tapi River has been closed for motorists. Due to continuous, incessant rain, fresh inflow has started entering the Tapi River. Police have been deployed to prevent unnecessary movement. As waterlogging intensified across the city, the district collector advised morning-shift schoolchildren to return home early and ordered the afternoon shift to be dismissed as well.

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) swung into action by reopening several key roads that had earlier been closed due to flooding after over 5 inches of rain fell in just 2 hours. The Municipal Commissioner monitored the situation from the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). Roads at Rishabh Char Rasta, Gujarat Gas Circle, Galemandi, and other localities including Dhanmora Complex, Prime Arcade, Mota Bhagal, Subhash Garden, Rander Road, and Sayyadpura were cleared and reopened. Emergency teams also rescued eight boys from a tuition class and five children travelling in a Maruti van near the Sarthana fire station.

Several visuals from across the city highlighted the extent of the disruption: water entering the Sarthana police station, schools near LP Savani Canal Road getting flooded, and two-wheeler riders stranded mid-commute. One woman on a moped was seen stuck in deep water at Dharmanandan Chowk and was helped by a group of four girls.

Citizens have been urged to stay indoors, exercise caution, and contact the district control room in case of emergencies.

On the other hand, the heavy rains have been concentrated in South Gujarat, with 8 out of the 10 most lashed talukas coming from Surat district. These talukas include Kamrej, Palsana, Bardoli, Olpad, Mandvi, Mangrol, and Chorasi. Other places that also received significant rainfall are Valod and Vyara in Tapi district, and Bharuch and Dediapada in Central Gujarat. DeshGujarat