Flood in Surat

Flood in Surat is a common characteristics of the city as it occurs every year. With the beginning of the month of September, Surat becomes prone to a huge natural disaster - the flood. The climatic records of Surat states the fact that from 1849 itself the city is experiencing yearly flood situations.

As the rainy season starts its journey, Surat and its interior villages transform into a nightmare. The water level of the Ukai reservoir begins to rise with the incessant rains and to control this the governing authorities of the place have to release water in large quantities. This invariably leads to a flood havoc in Surat.

In the year 1998 , the Tapi river dam along with its 22 gates were opened to release water. People of 152 villages which were located by the side of the River were advised to move to safer places and the entire district of Surat had been given the red alert signal. The same scenario prevailed with the passing of each year in Surat.

Recently in the month of August, 2006, Surat flood news came into the front page of every newspaper. According to some estimates more than 200 casualties took place in the 2006 flood of Surat while the whole infrastructure of the city came to a standstill. Schools, colleges, hospitals, offices and other important institutions and organizations of Surat are closed during the floods as it becomes literally impossible to wade through the streets.

Although the Municipal Corporation of the city promises to take effective steps to prevent the gigantic aftermath of flood in Surat, yet the local inhabitants feel that much more needs to be done to assure a safe and secured living condition during the monsoon months.