Heavy Rains Batter Gujarat: Torrential Rain Deluges Surat, Red Alert Issued Across South Gujarat

Heavy rainfall continued to lash Surat for the second consecutive day, causing widespread flooding, traffic disruption, and waterlogging across the city. Several major roads were submerged, vehicles were stranded, businesses were affected, and residents in low-lying areas faced serious problems. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Surat and nearby districts, warning that heavy rain is expected to continue.

According to the State Emergency Operation Center, Gandhinagar, Surat City recorded 71 mm of rainfall between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm on July 7, followed by Kamrej (64 mm) and Palsana (63 mm). Other areas such as Dhansura (40 mm), Kaprada (38 mm), Modasa (37 mm), and Navsari (33 mm) also received significant rainfall during the same period.

Flood Situation Worsens Across the City

The rain, which began on Tuesday, continued throughout Wednesday and created a flood-like situation in many parts of Surat. Water quickly collected on roads, bridges, and residential colonies, making it difficult for people to travel or carry out their daily activities. Many residents stayed indoors as heavy showers continued throughout the day.

Roads Flooded and Traffic Severely Affected

• Major roads including Surat, Navsari Road, Katargam, Wade Road, Udhna, and Parvatgam were heavily flooded.
• Knee-deep water forced authorities to close the road near Parvatgam bridge.
• Many cars, bikes, buses, and auto-rickshaws got stuck in floodwater.
• Water entered nearby schools and residential areas, disrupting normal life.

The worst situation was reported from the Parvatgam area, where rainwater entered nearby school premises and surrounding residential colonies. Many people found it difficult to leave their homes, while drivers struggled to cross flooded roads. In several places, the roads looked like rivers because of the continuous rainfall.

Business Activities and Municipal Response

Waterlogging affected markets and commercial areas across Surat. Many shopkeepers faced difficulty opening their businesses, while customer footfall dropped sharply. Daily work and employment remained affected for the second consecutive day. Meanwhile, Surat Municipal Corporation workers opened gutter covers, cleaned blocked drainage lines, and removed garbage to speed up the drainage of rainwater, although continuous rain limited the effectiveness of these efforts.

Schools Closed

Due to worsening weather conditions, municipal school students had already been given a holiday, and later teachers were also allowed to leave early or were instructed not to report for afternoon duty. Surat Municipal Corporation also declared a holiday for schools within city limits, while Navsari district announced a holiday for all schools and colleges.

Red Alert Issued as Heavy Rain Continues

Heavy rainfall was also recorded across South Gujarat, including Vyara (8.58 inches), Kamrej (6.46 inches), Pardi (6.34 inches), Umargam (6.26 inches), Ghogha (6.14 inches), and Kaprada (5.79 inches).

The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Surat, Dang, Tapi, Navsari, Valsad, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Bhavnagar, while Orange Alerts remain in place for Narmada, Bharuch, Amreli, Daman, and nearby districts for July 7 and 8.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded roads, and follow official weather updates until the weather improves.