Surat: Heavy rain lashed south Gujarat on Friday, unleashing intense downpour that flooded several towns, disrupted road connectivity and prompted rescue operations and alerts across multiple districts.In Navsari district, Chikhli town recorded 200 mm of rainfall in just two hours, reflecting the concentrated nature of the spell. Vansada in the same district received 242 mm. In Dang district, Waghai registered 143 mm rainfall in two hours and went on to log 337 mm over 12 hours from 6 am. Subir taluka of Dang recorded 300 mm rainfall and Surat district’s Ambika taluka reported 321 mm during the spell.The deluge led to water overtopping key road stretches and forced temporary closure. Officials said at least 37 roads were blocked in Dang district and 24 in Surat district due to flooding and unsafe driving conditions. In Valsad district, at least 27 roads were reported blocked after water flowed over road surfaces.In Dang, police and district officials rescued 41 migratory workers who were stranded near Nilshakya village when the Khapri river overflowed. The group was moved to safety and sheltered at the Hanuman Temple in Mulchond village as water levels remained high in the area.Valsad city witnessed sharp, high-intensity rainfall, receiving 199 mm overall, including 155 mm in two hours from 6am. The heavy burst triggered waterlogging in localities including Chhipwad, Mograwadi, Dhobi Talav and along Tithal Road. Residents reported drainage lines overflowing in several pockets, adding to inundation on streets and in low-lying stretches. At a few locations, water entered homes and shops, damaging property.Authorities placed Valsad on high alert till July 6, warning citizens to avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, ponds and low-level bridges. As a precaution, a holiday was declared for schools and colleges in Dharampur, Kaprada and Valsad taluka on Friday.Floodwater and uprooted trees also caused traffic snarls in parts of Dang. Police teams were deployed to manage congestion while district administration crews worked towards clearing water and removing fallen trees to restore road access.In Tapi district, Dolvan received 287 mm rainfall, Valod 225 mm and Vyara 172 mm, underscoring the widespread impact of the intense monsoon system across the region.
