Torrential rainfall over the past 24 hours has triggered severe flooding across southern and central Gujarat, leaving rivers overflowing and vast low-lying areas submerged. The worsening situation has prompted both the Gujarat government and the Centre to activate emergency response measures, with citizen safety being treated as the highest priority. PM Modi, Amit Shah Review Situation with Gujarat CM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday to assess the flood situation. During the conversation, the Prime Minister assured the state of all possible assistance from the Central government for relief and rescue operations.

 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with the Chief Minister, reviewed the ongoing rescue efforts, and assured full support from the Centre to deal with the crisis.

Ministers, Senior Officials Deployed to Worst-Hit Districts

On the directions of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, ministers and senior bureaucrats have been deployed to the worst-affected districts to oversee relief operations on the ground.

 

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel, and senior secretaries have been sent to Surat, Valsad, and Navsari to assist the local administration. In all districts under a red alert, designated officers have been instructed to remain on-site and monitor the situation continuously.

Record-Breaking Rainfall in South Gujarat

South Gujarat has witnessed exceptionally heavy rainfall. Between 6:00 am and 4:00 pm:

 

Khergam (Navsari): 16 inches

Umarpada (Surat): 15 inches

Umargam (Valsad): 14 inches

 

In Navsari district, the Kaveri, Ambika, Kharera, and Purna rivers are flowing above the danger mark, forcing the closure of 218 internal roadsdue to flooding.

IMD Issues Red Alert for 11 Districts

Following warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana has issued a Red Alertfor 11 districts:

 

Dahod

Panchmahal

Vadodara

Chhota Udepur

Bharuch

Narmada

Surat

Tapi

Dang

Navsari

Valsad

 

An Orange Alerthas also been issued for seven districts, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bhavnagar, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Kheda, and Anand.

Massive Evacuation Underway; NDRF, SDRF and Army Deployed

Authorities have evacuated more than 12,000 people in Valsadand over 10,000 residents in Navsarito safer locations.

 

Rescue teams have also saved more than 200 people in Valsadand over 50 people in Navsarifrom floodwaters.

 

At present:

• Three NDRF and five SDRF teams are operating in Valsad.
• Four additional NDRF teams are being airlifted to Surat.
• Two Army columns have been deployed for Valsad and Navsari.
• The Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) has dispatched 25 rescue boatsto support relief operations.

More Than 1,200 Roads Closed; Schools and Colleges Shut

Heavy flooding has forced the closure of more than 1,200 roads, primarily rural roads maintained by local panchayats.

 

As a precautionary measure, schools, colleges, and anganwadi centres in all districts under Red and Orange Alerts have been ordered to remain closed until further notice.

Government Urges Public to Stay Alert

State government spokesperson and minister Jitubhai Vaghani expressed condolences over the death of a man who was swept away by strong currents in Tapi district.

 

He urged residents to avoid crossing flooded roads, overflowing causeways, or fast-moving water, ignore rumours circulating on social media, and rely only on official government advisories. Citizens have also been advised to use government helpline numbers in case of emergencies.