Surat: With a red alert in effect, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and district administration have intensified flood preparedness measures to ensure a swift response to heavy rainfall and potential flooding.Authorities are taking a host of measures to check waterlogging as frequent flooding has almost been a routine since the past few years. Dewatering pumps have been installed in flood-prone areas, particularly around creeks, with backup power generators deployed to keep operations running during outages.Residents in low-lying areas are being alerted, while some families are being shifted to safer locations. Authorities have also advised citizens to move vehicles, especially those parked in basement parking, to avoid damage.Organisers of fairs, exhibitions and other public events have been directed to immediately suspend activities, with officials warning of strict action against violations of safety orders.Construction firms have been instructed to secure cranes, reinforce barricades and shift loose materials to safer locations. Labour colonies situated along riverbanks, creeks and low-lying areas have been advised to relocate workers in advance.Emergency response teams have been placed on standby at every fire station, equipped with rescue gear to respond to incidents such as flooding and uprooting of trees. In Udhna Zone-B, civic teams are conducting door-to-door awareness drives and guiding residents to designated relief centres.Across Surat district, officials have begun evacuating residents from areas vulnerable to waterlogging. Farmers and livestock owners have been advised not to tether animals during flooding, allowing them to move to higher ground if water levels rise.In neighbouring Valsad district, Coast Guard boats have been kept ready in coastal areas, including Pardi, while authorities have ordered continuous public announcements through govt vehicles, siren-fitted vehicles and other available means to keep residents informed.Meanwhile, Dumas beach has been closed to visitors, with police and security personnel deployed to enforce restrictions and ensure public safety.
