Surat Flood Damage Surveys Accelerate Relief Efforts

Heavy rains and tidal flooding in Surat, Gujarat, have left at least 34 people dead and caused widespread road damage, including sinkholes on major streets. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited the hardest‑hit industrial areas, distributing concessional loans of up to Rs 5 lakh to traders and ordering rapid water drainage.

The district administration has expanded its assessment teams, adding 65 new groups comprising 338 officers and staff to the existing workforce. Survey crews are focused on the Udhna, Majura, Katargam and Abrama neighborhoods to verify casualties, property loss and household damage. By the evening of July 12, financial assistance of more than Rs 65 lakh had been paid to 2,877 beneficiaries, with cash doles and compensation for damaged belongings distributed across six talukas.

Ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatra festival, authorities have stepped up security, seizing over 70 suspects, including 15 history‑sheeters, to ensure public safety during the event.