Surat Lashed by Heavy Rain: Roads Waterlogged, Textile Markets Closed; Army Mobilised

Surat: Amid the Red Alert for extremely heavy rainfall issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Surat city and nearby areas have been lashed by intense downpours that have inundated several parts of the city, disrupting normal life. With a Red Alert in force, the district administration has ordered the closure of all factories for two days, cancelled the leave of all government officials and employees, and intensified relief and rescue preparedness across the district.

During the morning hours, between 6 am and 12 noon, Surat city received nearly 2 inches of rain, while several talukas in the district witnessed much heavier rainfall. Umarpada received nearly 8 inches of rain in six hours, followed by Mahuva, which recorded over 4 inches. Bardoli and Palsana also witnessed more than 3.7 inches of rainfall during the same period.

Major waterlogging across city

Heavy rain has left several key roads and localities submerged, severely affecting traffic and daily life.

Among the worst-affected areas are:

• – VIP Road, where several residential societies between VIP Road-1 and VIP Road-2 have been flooded.
• – Surypur Underpass, where knee-deep water stranded several vehicles.
• – Pandesara Panchmukhi Temple area, where vehicles broke down after roads were submerged.
• – Dabholi, where roads were inundated due to continuous rainfall.
• – Ashwinikumar Crematorium and the Cyber Crime Police Office at Athwalines, where severe waterlogging was reported.
• – The road from Surypur Underpass to Podar Arcade, which turned into a virtual river after continuous rainfall.

Authorities also reported that Bhedwad Creek crossed its danger level, raising fears of flooding in adjoining low-lying residential areas.

Traffic diversions issued

The Surat Traffic Police has closed several flooded underpasses and roads and announced alternate routes for commuters. Causeway Road has been completely closed, while traffic diversions have been implemented at several locations, including Manjur Underpass, Raghukul Underpass and Ayurvedic Underpass.

– Manjur Underpass: Use the Hanuman side route.

– Raghukul Underpass: Travel via Patidar and Kinnari Cinema to reach Ring Road.

– Ayurvedic Underpass: Use the Sumul Dairy–Alkapuri Bridge route towards Katargam.

– Sahara Darwaza Underpass: Motorists heading towards Sardar Market should use the Bombay Market Overbridge, while those returning should take the Ring Road Bridge via Awadh Market.

– Kansara Nagar: Citizens have been advised to use internal roads for local movement.

District Collector Tejas Parmar has directed all factories in Surat district to remain closed on July 31 and August 1, 2026. The administration said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of workers and facilitate emergency response operations in case of flooding or other rain-related incidents.

The Collector has also cancelled the leave of all government officers and employees with immediate effect and directed them to remain present at their headquarters and be available for emergency duty. According to the administration, these measures have been taken in coordination with the Relief Commissioner and disaster management authorities as part of advance preparedness for any potential calamity.

FOSTTA announces closure of all textile markets

Amid the worsening weather, the Federation of Surat Trade & Textile Associations (FOSTTA) also announced the immediate closure of all textile markets in Surat.

In a notice issued on July 31, FOSTTA said that based on information received from the administration regarding the possibility of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, and considering the prevailing weather conditions, it had decided to shut all textile markets with immediate effect. The federation said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of traders, employees and goods.

The notice, which came into effect from 11:45 am, urged all traders not to pay attention to rumours, avoid visiting markets unnecessarily, prioritise personal safety and strictly follow the instructions issued by the district administration from time to time.

Health Minister reviews situation

As the rain situation worsened, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya reached the district disaster management control room and held a review meeting with the Collector and senior officials.

After reviewing the situation, the minister appealed to citizens to remain indoors, saying the forecast indicates extremely heavy rainfall throughout the day and night. He urged residents to stay at safe locations and avoid unnecessary travel.

Army team mobilised, rescue operations intensified

With waterlogging reported across several parts of the city, the administration has stepped up emergency preparedness. An Army team has been dispatched from Vadodara to Surat to assist in relief and rescue operations, if required.

The Surat Municipal Corporation has also begun evacuating residents from vulnerable low-lying areas through public announcements using loudspeakers. Fire department teams, rescue boats and emergency vehicles have been deployed at sensitive locations.

Sinkhole, road closures add to problems

A large sinkhole developed near Nilgiri Circle in Limbayat, prompting local residents to barricade the area to prevent accidents until civic authorities carry out repairs.

Meanwhile, the road towards VIP Road near Khatu Shyam Temple has been closed as a precaution following extensive flooding.

Police advisory

Surat In-charge Police Commissioner Wabang Jamin appealed to citizens to cooperate with evacuation efforts and avoid travelling through flooded areas. Residents have been advised to stay away from trees, electric poles, hoardings and weak structures during strong winds.

The police said traffic updates and diversions will be shared regularly through official social media channels and urged people to dial 112 in case of any emergency.

Authorities have appealed to residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and follow all advisories issued by the administration, as heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next 24 hours. DeshGujarat