Thousands were evacuated as relentless rainfall inundated parts of south Gujarat, with the Centre deploying Army
July 23, 2026: Torrential rain continued to lash Gujarat on Thursday, creating flood-like conditions across several districts in south Gujarat and forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents. Umargam in Valsad district recorded nearly 43 inches of rainfall in 28 hours, prompting the deployment of Army personnel and additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams. Relief Commissioner Gaurav Makwana said around 1,200 people were rescued from Umargam, while nearly 1,500 residents were shifted to safer locations in Surat. Another 200 people stranded in Navsari due to flooding in the Kaveri River were also rescued, with one rain-related death reported in Tapi district.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the flood situation at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and held discussions with district collectors to monitor rescue and relief operations. According to the state government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Patel and assured full support from the Centre. The Centre has deployed a 70-member Army team, additional NDRF units, boats and fire service personnel in the worst-affected areas, while the Air Force and Coast Guard remain on standby for possible air evacuation if weather conditions improve.
Heavy rainfall also disrupted normal life in Ahmedabad, where schools were ordered to remain closed on Thursday and Friday. According to SEOC data, Umarpada in Surat district recorded the highest rainfall in the state with 328 mm between 6 am and 2 pm, while several areas in Navsari, Valsad, Bharuch and Mehsana also witnessed extremely heavy showers. Officials said over 300 panchayat roads were temporarily closed due to flooding, and more than 200 Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) bus services were suspended as rescue and relief operations continued.