Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Friday, 25 July conducted a comprehensive review of flood relief and rescue operations in Valsad district following unprecedented rainfall that inundated large parts of the region, directing officials to fast-track sanitation drives, set up health camps, and ensure immediate distribution of relief to all affected residents as floodwaters begin to recede.

Record Rainfall and Scale of Flooding

Umargam recorded a staggering 1,064 mm (42.56 inches) of rainfall in a single day on Thursday — the highest ever logged there in a single day, according to District Collector Nitin Sangwan. Kaprada taluka registered the season's highest cumulative rainfall at 2,566 mm (102.64 inches).

Heavy rainfall, compounded by the release of water from the Madhuban Dam, caused rivers to overflow and triggered widespread inundation across low-lying areas of the district. The district administration evacuated 12,376 people to safer locations in a single day — a logistical feat that Sanghavi publicly commended.

What the Government Said

Sanghavi arrived in Valsad late Thursday night under the directions of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and chaired a review meeting at the District Collector's Office. State Finance, Urban Development and Urban Housing Minister Kanu Desai also attended.

'Team Valsad has successfully carried out the challenging task of rescuing and safely evacuating all affected people without any major mishap or even a single death,' Sanghavi said, congratulating the district administration on the zero-casualty operation.

He directed officials to deploy adequate manpower, JCB machines, trucks and other equipment on a war footing to restore normalcy. Municipal authorities were instructed to appoint additional temporary sanitation workers, remove accumulated mud and waste, intensify cleaning in Umargam, and ensure door-to-door garbage collection.

Health and Relief Measures Ordered

Sanghavi directed the administration to organise health check-up camps in the worst-affected areas and dispose of damaged household goods and spoiled foodgrains scientifically to prevent disease outbreaks. He also ordered immediate distribution of cash doles and ration kits to flood-affected families, stressing that no resident — including those in remote villages — should be left without assistance.

He noted that 17 senior state government officers had been deployed in Valsad to support restoration efforts, expressing confidence that the district would recover swiftly. Officials were also asked to coordinate with insurance companies to expedite claim settlements for traders and shopkeepers who suffered business losses.

Ground Assessment and Stranded Passengers

During his visit, Sanghavi met passengers stranded at Valsad railway station after train services were disrupted by the heavy rain. He spoke with the Station Master, who confirmed that the railway line towards Mumbai had resumed operations. Valsad MP Dhaval Patel informed him that food packets had been distributed to stranded passengers.

Sanghavi also visited Chhipwad and the bridge over the Auranga River to personally inspect water flow levels and assess the flood situation on the ground.

With floodwaters receding, the administration's focus now shifts to a sustained post-flood recovery — a phase that historically determines how quickly affected communities can rebuild their livelihoods.