SURAT: Large parts of Surat remained marooned as stagnant, murky water continued to choke roads, homes, commercial complexes and industrial pockets following torrential rainfall. At least 13 people have died due to the heavy rain.
Police recovered several bodies from different parts of the city. Four bodies were found in Dindoli. Two brothers drowned in Bhestan, while a nine-year-old disabled child drowned in Pandesara.
Although the skies cleared, residents in several low-lying areas continued to battle the aftermath of the flooding, including overflowing creeks, waterlogged basements, stranded vehicles and a pervasive stench from floodwaters that showed little sign of receding.
Areas along the overflowing khadis, including Parvat Patiya, Model Town, Saniya Hemad, Godadara Road, Azad Nagar, Mithi Khadi-Limbayat, Simada, Sarthana and Kumbhariya, remained inundated as swollen creeks spilled into adjoining neighbourhoods. In many locations, water levels were still waist-deep, forcing residents to wade through filthy water to procure essentials, while several families continued to stay in relief shelters or with relatives.
The city’s transport network was also severely affected. At Simada, a fleet of BRTS buses remained parked in floodwater, while traffic crawled on partially submerged roads. Several vehicles, including cars, trucks and two-wheelers, remained stranded in waterlogged areas as commuters avoided flooded routes.
The economic impact became increasingly evident as floodwaters entered commercial establishments. Basements of shopping complexes, textile markets and commercial buildings remained flooded, delaying the reopening of businesses. Traders struggled to pump out water and feared extensive damage to stocks of fabric, machinery, electrical equipment and other inventory.
The full extent of the losses is yet to be assessed, as many shops and godowns remained inaccessible. Residents said the stagnant water had begun emitting a foul smell, raising fears of disease outbreaks. A mix of sewage, silt and garbage left behind by overflowing drains and creeks blanketed several localities, with sanitation workers racing to clear debris and disinfect affected areas.
Relief operations continued in areas where water remained. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Surat Fire and Emergency Services remained deployed to assist stranded residents and monitor vulnerable locations.
