Valsad Shatters Rainfall Records as Flood Crisis Grips South Gujarat, Army Roped In

South Gujarat is facing a severe flood emergency after Valsad district witnessed record-breaking rainfall, with Umargam receiving around 43 inches of rain in just 28 hours—the highest in 24 years. The unprecedented downpour has inundated several areas, halted helicopter rescue operations due to strong winds and heavy rain, and prompted authorities to seek Army assistance for relief and rescue efforts.

Heavy rainfall and powerful cyclonic winds have triggered a severe flood situation in Gujarat’s Valsad district, where rescue operations have been hit by extreme weather conditions. With helicopter airlift operations becoming impossible due to strong winds and heavy rain, authorities are now seeking Army assistance to carry out rescue and relief work in the flood-affected areas.

Army May Reach Valsad as Air Rescue Operations Halted

The Coast Guard and Air Force have been unable to conduct helicopter rescues in parts of Valsad due to unsafe weather conditions. Officials have now decided to seek the Army’s support to manage the situation and assist people stranded in flood-hit areas.

According to sources, an Army team is likely to reach Valsad by late Thursday night to begin relief and rescue operations on a priority basis.

Umargam Records 43 Inches Rainfall, Breaks 24-Year Record

The flood situation in Valsad has worsened after Umargam received around 43 inches of rainfall in just 28 hours, breaking a 24-year rainfall record.

Continuous heavy rain over the past four days has severely affected normal life across Valsad and neighbouring areas of South Gujarat. Several low-lying regions have been submerged, with residents facing difficulties due to rising water levels.

Over 200 Parked Cars Submerged in Vapi

The heavy downpour also caused major damage in Vapi, where more than 200 parked cars were submerged under floodwaters at the same time.

Videos and visuals from the area showed vehicles surrounded by water as flooding brought movement to a standstill in several parts of the city.

474 Roads and Bridges Closed Across South Gujarat

The intense rainfall has disrupted road connectivity, with 474 roads and bridges closed across affected areas. The closures include 442 panchayat-managed roads and 32 state roads.

The Road and Building Department has placed barricades on affected routes to prevent accidents. Executive Engineer Bhaveshbhai Patel said repair work has started on roads where floodwaters have receded.

Authorities have appealed to people not to remove barricades or attempt to cross closed roads, warning that such actions could put lives at risk.

School Holidays Declared in Six Gujarat Districts

Amid the worsening weather conditions, schools in Valsad, Surat, Tapi, Bharuch, Ahmedabad and Vadodara districts will remain closed on Friday as a precautionary measure.

The administration is continuing to monitor rainfall levels and flood conditions as rescue teams prepare for further operations in the affected districts.