Surat: Incessant downpours since Monday have drenched Surat city with over 16 inches (400 mm) of rainfall in just one and a half days, leading to widespread waterlogging and disruption of daily life. Several areas of the city were flooded by Tuesday morning, with roads submerged and traffic movement severely affected.

Between 6 AM and 12 noon on Tuesday alone, Surat city recorded 66 mm (2.6 inches) of rain, according to the State Emergency Operation Center. The city has been witnessing persistent showers since early Monday, overwhelming the drainage system and triggering urban flooding in multiple low-lying zones.

Low-lying areas like Puna Parvat Gam, Varachha, Kapodra, Katargam, Ved Road, and Jahangir Pura are heavily waterlogged, with roads turning into water-filled ponds.

The heavy incessant rain has also led to the overflowing of Simada Creek, and as a result, water has reached neck level in areas like Valamnagar and Shubham Park Society. Water has accumulated in Valamnagar Society, located in the Simada area of Surat. As water entered the society, rescue operations were carried out by the fire department. A team of doctors was sent into the society by boat. Affected residents were rescued using tractors and boats.

Due to waterlogging in the Bhagal area, shopkeepers have been forced to shut their shops. The decision was taken following instructions from the authorities. Since Bhagal is one of Surat’s major markets, the closure has impacted daily life and business activities in the area.

A city bus got stuck in waterlogged conditions near the railway station underpass in Surat. Fortunately, four individuals, including two drivers and two workers, were safely rescued. The rescued individuals were identified as Rinku Kishori (35), Anshu Shahu (18), Islam Ashif (32), and Rama Koli (31). This incident once again highlights the persistent issue of waterlogging in low-lying areas of the city during the monsoon.

Waterlogging continued for the second consecutive day around the Sarthana Police Station, with knee- to waist-deep water seen in nearby societies and homes. Due to heavy rains, the main road from Kangaroo Circle through Maharana Pratap Chowk towards Godadara, passing through Parvat Patiya, remained blocked. The situation caused severe inconvenience to commuters, especially those heading to work. Long queues of two-wheelers were seen, and the persistent downpour further worsened traffic movement in the area.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jigna Parmar confirmed that two state roads and four to five residential societies faced waterlogging. “There’s been over 100 mm of rainfall in many areas. Thankfully, there have been no casualties. Water levels are expected to recede once the rain stops,” she said, urging citizens to cooperate with the authorities.

Furthermore in Surat district, several talukas also received significant rainfall. Bardoli recorded 124 mm (4.88 inches), followed by Umarpada (87 mm), Mandvi (81 mm), Mahuva (75 mm), and Kamrej (62 mm). Other affected areas include Palsana (45 mm), Olpad (27 mm), Mangrol (24 mm), and Chorasi (22 mm) during 6 am to 12 noon today.

Across South Gujarat, Valsad’s Vapi received 130 mm (5.12 inches) of rain, while Pardi saw 89 mm, Kaprada 54 mm, and Umbergaon 43 mm. In Tapi district, Vyara (110 mm) and Songadh (105 mm) witnessed intense rainfall. The highest figures were reported in Narmada district, where Nandod and Tilakwada recorded 180 mm and 165 mm of rain, respectively.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued moderate to heavy rainfall in the region through Wednesday. Emergency response teams have been activated in several districts in anticipation of further downpours. DeshGujarat