Over 50 Cars Submerged as Rain Floods Parking Lot in Gujarat's Valsad

Gujarat is reeling under the full force of the monsoon. In Valsad district, a parking lot turned into a watery grave for more than 50 vehicles as heavy rain triggered flash floods. Video footage from the scene shows a vast expanse of brown water where rows of cars once stood, their roofs barely visible above the surface.

The deluge has not spared other parts of the state either. In Tapi district, at least one person was killed. Rescue teams have so far evacuated over 1,200 people from submerged and cut-off areas. The figures are expected to rise as water levels remain elevated across southern Gujarat.

Valsad parking lot submerged

The flooding in Valsad caught many residents by surprise. A residential or commercial parking lot, usually a mundane sight, became the most striking visual of the day. Cars, SUVs and hatchbacks were all swallowed by the rising water. Owners could only watch helplessly as their vehicles became unsalvageable.

Local authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of vehicles damaged, but visual evidence suggests the count is well over 50. No casualties have been reported from this specific incident, but the financial loss is substantial.

Navsari and Khergam take the worst hit

Among the worst affected areas is Navsari district. The town of Khergam recorded a staggering 9 inches of rainfall in just 12 hours. Streets have turned into rivers. Homes and shops on low-lying ground are flooded. Residents have had to wade through waist-deep water to reach safety.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Gujarat, warning of extremely heavy rainfall for the next 24 to 48 hours. The alert specifically covers the districts of Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Tapi and Dang. Officials have urged people in low-lying areas to move to higher ground.

Rescue operations underway

State disaster response teams, along with local police and volunteers, are working around the clock. In Tapi district alone, over 400 people have been rescued. The National Disaster Response Force has been deployed in multiple locations. Army columns have been kept on standby.

Many villages in the southern belt are cut off due to flooded roads and damaged bridges. Authorities are using boats to reach stranded residents. Food and drinking water packets are being air-dropped in the most inaccessible areas.

Schools and colleges in the affected districts have been closed for the day. The state government has announced compensation for families of the deceased and for those who have lost their homes.

Gujarat has witnessed similar flooding in previous years, but the intensity this time has been exceptional. The monsoon trough is expected to remain active over the region. More rain is forecast for the coming days, keeping rescue teams and civic authorities on high alert.