Gujarat floods rescue 1,200, schools closed as record rains batter south region

Heavy monsoon rains struck South Gujarat on July 22‑23, 2026, delivering up to 1,100 mm of rainfall in Umbergaon taluka of Valsad district within 16 hours. The deluge triggered red alerts across Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Tapi and Dangs, causing rivers to overflow, roads to flood, and schools to be shut. State authorities rescued more than 1,200 people and relocated roughly 1,500 residents, while about 11 individuals were rescued from flood‑stricken villages in Tapi district. One rain‑related death was reported in Tapi. The National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard were placed on alert for rescue operations. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the situation, directed additional NDRF/SDRF teams, and coordinated with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who promised full central assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered support. Rescue efforts focused on evacuating residents from low‑lying areas, restoring power and water supplies, and clearing more than 300 roads temporarily closed. Overflowing dams in Navsari, such as Juj and Keliya, heightened flood risk, prompting district administrations to advise villagers to avoid riverbanks and follow evacuation orders. The India Meteorological Department warned that the heavy rain spell could continue for a week, keeping disaster management forces on high alert.