Surat Floods: 24 Dead, over 3,800 rescued as heavy rain triggers widespread inundation

Heavy rainfall has triggered severe flooding across Gujarat's Surat, claiming 24 lives over the past two days and forcing authorities to evacuate more than 3,800 people from low-lying areas, officials said.

The city received around 358 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, leading to widespread waterlogging, inundated roads and major disruptions to normal life. Several residential colonies, commercial complexes and markets were submerged as floodwaters entered homes and shops.

Officials said rescue teams shifted over 3,800 residents to safer locations as water levels continued to rise in vulnerable areas. Emergency personnel remain deployed to carry out relief and rescue operations.

Rain-related incidents, including lightning strikes, drowning and falling trees, have claimed 24 lives in the last two days. Police have recovered several bodies from different parts of the city. Among the victims were two brothers who drowned in Bhestan and a nine-year-old child who died in Pandesara.

Floodwaters also submerged shops at Poddar Arcade in Varachha, while public transport services, including city buses, were disrupted due to waterlogged roads. Visuals from several localities showed residents wading through knee-deep water as authorities supplied food packets to people stranded in high-rise buildings.

The administration has urged residents to remain indoors unless necessary and follow official advisories as heavy rainfall is expected to continue in parts of the district. Relief and rehabilitation efforts are underway, with teams monitoring vulnerable areas round the clock.