More than 22,000 people have been shifted to safer locations and around 1,200 stranded residents rescued as torrential rain triggered a flood-like situation across parts of south Gujarat, officials said on Thursday. The worst-hit areas were Valsad and Navsari districts, where relentless rainfall since Wednesday inundated low-lying areas, disrupted transport and forced authorities to launch large-scale rescue and relief operations. Umbergaon taluka in Valsad recorded an extraordinary 1,200 mm of rainfall within just 36 hours, highlighting the severity of the weather event.

Officials said Valsad and Navsari bore the brunt of the heavy downpour, while Surat, Ahmedabad, Kheda, Tapi and the Dangs districts also witnessed intense rainfall that affected normal life. Flooded roads, waterlogged residential areas and overflowing rivers left many people stranded, prompting emergency teams to evacuate vulnerable communities. Around 1,200 people were rescued in Valsad alone, while over 22,000 residents from Valsad and neighbouring Navsari were moved to relief shelters and safer locations as a precautionary measure.

To strengthen rescue efforts, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Gujarat State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed across the affected districts. In addition, two Army columns were pressed into service in Navsari and Valsad to assist civil authorities with evacuation, rescue and relief operations. Emergency personnel used boats and specialised equipment to reach marooned residents, while district administrations coordinated relief camps, food supplies and medical assistance for those displaced by the flooding.

Also Read: Gujarat Floods: Torrential Rains Leave Nine Dead As Surat Faces Severe Waterlogging

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been closely monitoring the weather situation as heavy rainfall continues to lash several parts of Gujarat. Authorities have urged residents living near rivers, low-lying areas and flood-prone locations to remain alert and follow official advisories. Schools in some affected areas have remained shut, while road traffic and local transport services have been disrupted due to waterlogging and damaged infrastructure. Officials are also keeping a close watch on reservoir levels and river flows to minimise the risk of further flooding.

The state government has assured that all available resources are being deployed to manage the emergency and ensure the safety of residents. Relief and rehabilitation efforts are expected to continue until water levels recede and normalcy is restored. With more rainfall forecast for parts of Gujarat, authorities have appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel, cooperate with rescue teams and stay updated through official weather and disaster management advisories as the situation continues to evolve.

Also Read: Rescue Teams Save Twenty-Five Amid Heavy Rain And Flood-Like Conditions In Kashmir