Surat flood relief: Gujarat launches 72‑hour recovery drive and disburses aid to thousands

The Gujarat government has begun an intensive 72‑hour recovery operation in Surat after severe flooding on July 7. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi oversaw a high‑level meeting that set three immediate priorities: rapid drainage of water‑logged areas, large‑scale sanitation and cleaning, and public‑health measures to avert water‑borne diseases. A door‑to‑door survey of more than 9,100 families was completed, and financial assistance of Rs 6,800 per family has been distributed to over 2,500 flood‑affected households in neighbourhoods such as Bhatar, Ambedkar Nagar, Azad Nagar, Indira Nagar and Rasulabad. The aid includes cash, household articles and wage support under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Officials are also assessing damage to traders across 58 lanes and market areas, with plans to allocate further assistance. In response to the flood, the state announced a Rs 500 crore project to prevent future water intrusion from the creek into Surat. Rescue teams from the NDRF and SDRF have evacuated 85 individuals, while municipal and district authorities continue relief and rehabilitation efforts.