Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel holds late-night flood review; Dy CM rushes to Valsad
Synopsis
With over 22,000 people evacuated and 352 rescued in a single day, Gujarat's flood response shifted into high gear on the night of 23 July — Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the SEOC in Gandhinagar and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi rushing to Valsad at midnight, as IMD warned of more heavy rain ahead.
Key Takeaways
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a late-night review at the SEOC, Gandhinagar on 23 July amid heavy rainfall across Gujarat.
More than 22,000 residents in Navsari and Valsad were evacuated; 352 people rescued in South Gujarat during the day.
Four NDRF teams deployed in South Gujarat — two in Valsad, one in Navsari, one on standby in Surat.
NDRF and SDRF teams pre-positioned across Saurashtra districts as a precaution.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi departed for Valsad late Thursday night to chair a ground-level review around midnight.
IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across Gujarat over the coming days.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a late-night high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar on Thursday, 23 July, as relentless heavy rainfall continued to batter parts of the state. The administration has sharply intensified rescue, relief, and monitoring operations across the worst-hit districts of South Gujarat, with over 22,000 residents evacuated from Navsari and Valsad alone.
What the Review Covered
Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) briefed Chief Minister Patel on the forecast of widespread rainfall across Gujarat over the coming days. District Collectors from affected areas also presented ground-level updates on the evolving situation.
Patel specifically sought data on rainfall recorded between 6 pm and 8 pm, focusing on districts in South Gujarat as well as Dholka in Ahmedabad district, Mahemdabad in Kheda district, and Mehsana. He directed the administration to remain on high alert through the night and closely track the situation in anticipation of further rainfall. The status of electricity supply in flood-affected areas was also reviewed.
NDRF Deployment and Rescue Operations
Four teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in South Gujarat — two in Valsad, one in Navsari, and one on standby in Surat. The teams, equipped with boats and rescue equipment, are supporting district authorities in ongoing operations.
As a precautionary measure, both NDRF and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been pre-positioned across districts in the Saurashtra region as well. According to the state administration, 352 people were rescued in South Gujarat during the day.
What the Government Said
Chief Secretary M. K. Das told the review meeting that the state administration was fully prepared to handle the situation and had adequate manpower, machinery, and equipment in place. The SEOC has been maintaining constant contact with all districts through its hotline network for continuous coordination.
Chief Minister Patel also instructed officials to prioritise cleaning operations, road restoration, and public health measures once the rainfall subsides and floodwaters recede.
Deputy CM Heads to Valsad
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi departed from Navsari for neighbouring Valsad late on Thursday night. He was scheduled to arrive at the Valsad Collector's Office around midnight to chair an immediate review meeting assessing the flood situation and the rescue operations being conducted by the district administration.
The twin late-night reviews — by the Chief Minister at SEOC and the Deputy Chief Minister on the ground in Valsad — reflect the scale of the state government's mobilisation as IMD forecasts indicate continued heavy rainfall across Gujarat in the days ahead.
Point of View
Not a routine monsoon event. With 22,000 evacuations in a single day, the scale already rivals some of Gujarat's worst recent flood episodes. The real test will come in the next 48 hours: IMD's forecast of continued heavy rain means rescue capacity — currently stretched across Valsad, Navsari, and Saurashtra — could be pushed to its limits. The decision to pre-position SDRF in Saurashtra before flooding occurs there is a notable operational shift, suggesting officials are trying to stay ahead of the disaster rather than react to it.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current flood situation in Gujarat as of 23 July?
Heavy rainfall has severely affected South Gujarat, with over 22,000 residents evacuated from Navsari and Valsad and 352 people rescued on 23 July alone. The IMD has forecast continued widespread rainfall across the state over the coming days.
What action did Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel take during the floods?
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a late-night high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre in Gandhinagar on 23 July, receiving updates from IMD officials and district Collectors. He directed the administration to stay on high alert through the night and instructed officials to plan for post-flood restoration of roads and public health infrastructure.
How many NDRF teams have been deployed in South Gujarat?
Four NDRF teams have been deployed in South Gujarat — two in Valsad, one in Navsari, and one kept on standby in Surat. NDRF and SDRF teams have also been pre-positioned in Saurashtra districts as a precaution.
Why did Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi travel to Valsad late at night?
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi departed from Navsari for Valsad late on Thursday night to conduct an on-ground review of the flood situation and assess rescue and relief operations at the Valsad Collector's Office around midnight.
Which districts in Gujarat are most affected by the heavy rainfall?
South Gujarat — particularly Valsad and Navsari — has been the worst hit. The review also focused on Dholka in Ahmedabad district, Mahemdabad in Kheda district, and Mehsana, where significant rainfall was recorded.
