Surat, Gujarat: Torrential rains have battered the city of Surat, leaving large parts submerged under water and triggering a flood-like situation after more than 400 mm of rainfall was recorded over a span of just 36 hours.

According to officials, the city received 346 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending 6 am on Tuesday, followed by an additional 66 mm in the subsequent 12 hours. The intense rainfall led to waterlogging across numerous neighbourhoods, submerged roads, and brought daily life to a near halt.

Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal said that despite some respite from rainfall on Tuesday, severe flooding in low-lying areas continued to disrupt movement. Many families living in these areas were forced to spend sleepless nights in submerged homes. In response, the city administration began evacuating residents from affected zones and mobilised emergency response teams.

The gravity of the situation became evident as residents resorted to makeshift transport – including tractors and boats – to navigate flooded streets and reach safer areas. In some parts of the city, boats were seen ferrying stranded locals as water levels in the Tapi river and surrounding creeks swelled dangerously due to the incessant downpour.

Authorities have issued advisories urging citizens to avoid venturing near riverbanks and low-lying creek areas. The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has deployed teams overnight to drain water from roads and underpasses and has launched coordinated efforts with departments for water supply, electricity, health, and traffic management to minimise disruption.

“Cleanliness drives and medical surveillance are underway across the city to prevent any post-flood health crisis,” Agarwal stated, adding that roads have been shut in several locations as a precaution, causing difficulties for commuters.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued heavy rainfall in the region. Forecasts indicate that Surat, along with other parts of south Gujarat including Navsari, Valsad, Narmada and Bharuch, may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Wednesday, with isolated areas expected to face extremely heavy downpours.

Elsewhere in the state, districts such as Nandod and Tilakwada in Narmada received up to 200 mm of rain within 10 hours on Tuesday. Dahod, Valsad, Chhota Udepur and Tapi also recorded up to 125 mm of rainfall. The IMD has said that the monsoon remains active across Gujarat and predicts continued rainfall over the coming week.