35 rain-related deaths reported in Gujarat as floodwaters recede; damage surveys begin
The number of deaths in rain-related incidents in Gujarat has increased to 35 in the last two days, officials said on Saturday, July 25, 2026, and authorities collected the bodies after the flood waters receded and rescue operations were completed.
“After the rain stopped and rescue operations were completed, a total of 35 rain-related deaths have been reported in the state so far in the last two days as bodies washed away in flood waters and missing persons were found,” said Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana. he said.
Most deaths occurred due to drowning or people being swept away by strong currents. Of the total deaths, 29 were reported to be from the worst-hit Navsari and Valsad districts.
work on restoration
With rainfall decreasing across the state, the administration has shifted its focus to post-flood restoration. Authorities began assessing damage to crops, homes and public infrastructure, along with cleanup efforts and pesticide spraying to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
While more than 7,000 people were rescued during the recent heavy rains, the most rescue operations were carried out in Navsari and Surat districts. Mr Makwana said more than 42,000 residents had been relocated to safer locations and rescue efforts were now nearing completion.
The State has deployed 18 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 32 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), supported by the Indian Army, Coast Guard and local volunteers. Three NDRF teams have been deployed in Navsari and Ahmedabad districts.
Navsari District Collector Manish Gurwani said 19 bodies were found in the area. While approximately 14 thousand people were moved to other places, nearly 1,200 rescue operations were carried out jointly by NDRF, SDRF, district administration and local swimmers. The Indian Coast Guard also airlifted 60 shrimp farmers stranded in the Mendhar-Gandevi area.
In neighboring Valsad, where the death toll is 10, District Collector Nitin Sangwan said rescue operations have been completed and damage assessment surveys have begun. Financial assistance to affected residents, including for damaged household items, lost wages for up to three days, and animal deaths, will be disbursed via bank transfer or cash payment starting Monday, July 27, 2026. Approximately 20,000 people in the region were either rescued or resettled elsewhere.
Even though the rainfall intensity decreased, some parts of north Gujarat continued to receive heavy showers. In the 24 hours ending 6 am on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Santalpur and Radhanpur talukas in Patan district recorded 381 mm and 342 mm of rainfall respectively, while Bhabhar in Banaskantha received 287 mm of rainfall.
According to the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC), between 6 am and 4 pm on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Kaprada and Nanapondha in Valsad district, Deodar and Lakhani in Banaskantha district and Khergam in Navsari received 71 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm and 46 mm of rainfall respectively.
Red alert for some districts
While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Banaskantha, Patan, Surendranagar, Mehsana, Kheda, Aravalli and Sabarkantha districts on Saturday, July 25, 2026, an orange alert is expected for some of these districts on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
In Ahmedabad district, NDRF rescued and evacuated 103 people stranded in flood-affected areas of Dholka taluka. In Navsari, rescue teams rescued 120 people and evacuated 43 others from flooded villages; Additionally, the bodies of two elderly people were found.
While 35 people from 10 families in Patan district were transferred to a safe place from Chhansara village of Santalpur taluka, a school here was also evacuated as a precaution. Authorities said that restoration work is ongoing and many approach roads connecting the villages remain closed.
It was published – 25 July 2026 22:04 IST
