Surat: Relief and rescue operations have been intensified in the flood-hit districts of Valsad and Navsari in south Gujarat as floodwaters receded from most areas. District authorities said the focus has now shifted from mass rescue to restoration of essential services, damage assessment and immediate relief distribution.At least 15 people died in Navsari, mostly due to drowning since July 23.In Valsad district, the administration has confirmed a total of eight flood-related deaths since July 23. Officials said large-scale evacuation was carried out during the peak of the flooding, with 20,843 people moved to safer locations. For relief and rescue, a combined 10 teams of the NDRF, SDRF and the Army were deployed in the district.The loss suffered by people and businesses in Valsad and Vapi is huge as several homes, shops and vehicles were completely submerged in water.
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Heavy rainfall disrupted connectivity across Valsad, forcing the closure of more than 425 roads. Authorities said movement has been restored on over 315 of these routes, while work continues to reopen remaining stretches. To assess losses to homes, crops and public infrastructure, around 150 survey teams have been deployed. The survey is expected to be completed by the evening of July 26.Senior officials in Valsad, Silvassa and Daman issued messages calling rumours of damage to the Daman Ganga Dam “fake” and warned of strict action against those spreading misinformation.In Navsari district, the Indian Army’s Maratha unit safely evacuated 63 people stranded in waterlogged areas near the Ring Road and Tata High School. Surat Municipal Corporation sent two fire and emergency teams — 14 personnel with a fire engine and a water bowser fitted with a boom monitor — and deployed 100 sanitation workers with heavy machinery for cleaning and debris removal.The Bilimora-Waghai narrow-gauge railway track was damaged near Rankuva in Chikhli taluka, affecting the heritage train service.
