Surat: Repeated flooding after heavy rainfall left several parts of Surat city and district inundated on Thursday, with overflowing creeks and incessant rain remaining the primary causes.Officials and residents also blamed the city’s inadequate storm water drainage network, as floodwaters failed to recede for several hours in many neighbourhoods.Several localities that did not witness prolonged waterlogging last year remained submerged through the day due to poor drainage connectivity and inadequate discharge.
Overflowing creeks in Surat causing water spilling to the nearing areas and residences waterlogged in many areas in the city
A similar situation was witnessed on July 7 and 8, when flooding occurred even in developed areas because water failed to drain in time. In previous years, waterlogging was largely confined to stretches of Katargam and usually receded within a couple of hours. This year, fresh pockets such as Anuvrat Dwar, Vesu and Adajan remained waterlogged for much longer.Creek-related flooding continued in areas along the Bhedwad and Mithi creeks, with water entering residential and industrial pockets in Limbayat, Parvat Patiya and Bamroli, besides Azad Nagar in Bhatar. By Thursday evening, nearly 50 locations in the city remained waterlogged. Roads were closed at 14 locations and traffic was diverted. Textile markets and industrial areas declared a holiday to prevent workers from venturing out in hazardous conditions.Rescue and relief operations continued through the day. Fire and rescue teams evacuated 87 people, while 2,621 others were shifted to safer locations. One National Disaster Response Force team and four State Disaster Response Force teams were deployed in the city. The administration also kept 27 boats ready for rescue and evacuation.As part of relief measures, authorities distributed 9,050 food packets, 6,550 water bottles and 2,000 milk packets, while health teams treated around 200 people.In Surat district, Umarpada recorded 405 mm of rainfall between 6am and 8pm on Thursday. Other talukas also received heavy rain during the period, including Ambika 208 mm, Kamrej 180 mm, Olpad 121 mm, Choryasi 113 mm, Bardoli 102 mm, Surat city 100 mm, Palsana 93 mm and Mahuva 90 mm. Officials said heavy rainfall in Kamrej, Palsana and Bardoli significantly increased the flow in creeks passing through Surat city, aggravating overflow and flooding.
