The Indian Army rescued 34 people and delivered relief material to more than 400 residents in Kadodara village, Surat district, on 1 August after deploying flood relief columns from its Southern Command in coordination with the civil administration. Heavy rainfall continues to batter several parts of Gujarat, triggering large-scale rescue, healthcare, and emergency response operations across multiple districts.

Army Deployment and Rescue Operations

Flood relief teams arrived in Kadodara equipped with boats and life-saving equipment, rescuing 34 civilians and relocating affected families to safer locations. Essential supplies were distributed to more than 400 people in the inundated area. According to officials, Army personnel remained deployed and on standby to respond to any further emergencies. The Indian Army described the mission as consistent with its motto, 'Service Before Self'.

Operation Safe Delivery in Narmada District

Authorities in Narmada district launched 'Operation Safe Delivery' to ensure pregnant women in flood-vulnerable areas received timely medical care. Between 30 July and 1 August, health teams surveyed 142 pregnant women whose expected delivery dates fell on or before 15 August in potentially affected zones. Of these, 101 women were shifted to health centres as a precaution, resulting in the successful delivery of 25 babies — all mothers and newborns reported healthy and safe.

District Reproductive and Child Health Officer Jankhana Vasava confirmed the deliveries: six each in Garudeshwar and Nandod talukas, five in Chikda, four in Sagbara, three in Tilakwada, and one in Dediapada. 'All 25 mothers and their newborn babies were healthy and safe,' she said.

Emergency Services Under Pressure Across Districts

In Vadodara district, the 108 Emergency Ambulance Service handled more than 730 emergency cases over three days despite adverse weather conditions. These included 131 cases involving pregnant women, 84 road accidents, 60 respiratory emergencies, 55 cardiac emergencies, and several other cases requiring immediate attention.

In Surendranagar district, Fire Brigade personnel rescued three members of a family — a man, a woman, and a young child — who were trapped in floodwaters in Kerala village of Wadhwan taluka. In Bharuch district, officials coordinated relief and rescue through the district control room, with drainage, evacuation, and road clearance continuing on a war footing. Residents were urged to avoid rumours and follow official advisories.

Cleanliness Drive Postponed; Government Response

The state government postponed a statewide cleanliness campaign originally scheduled for Sunday, citing the forecast of heavy rainfall. Government Spokesperson and Minister Jitu Vaghani said the campaign — launched on the instructions of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel as a monthly voluntary cleanliness drive — would now be held on 9 August. The rescheduling signals the administration's focus on flood response as the weather situation remains severe across Gujarat.