Ahmedabad
As devastating floods battered Gujarat, affecting thousands of families across the state, Muslim youths, religious institutions and social organisations emerged at the forefront of relief and rescue operations. Setting aside barriers of religion and caste, they joined hands with the administration and local communities to provide food, shelter, medical aid and rescue assistance to those in distress.
The death toll from incessant heavy rains has risen to 23. Surat is among the worst-hit districts, recording 358 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, triggering widespread flooding. More than 3,400 people were rescued in Surat, while over 3,800 were shifted to safer locations. Across Gujarat, 7,522 people have been accommodated in relief camps and 3,711 rescued from flood-affected areas.
Although floodwaters have begun receding in several places, many low-lying localities remain submerged, disrupting normal life.
In Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, Banaskantha and other affected districts, Muslim volunteers used boats to evacuate stranded residents. Several mosques and madrasas were converted into temporary relief shelters, offering food, clean drinking water, medicines and accommodation to displaced families.
Muslim volunteers step up in Surat to help people stranded in floodwaters#surat #muslim #SuratFlood #FloodRelief #MuslimCommunity #Humanity #GujaratRain pic.twitter.com/TuoMEl22jx
— Awaz-The Voice URDU اردو (@AwazTheVoiceUrd) July 9, 2026
Muslim trusts, charitable organisations and community groups established community kitchens that prepared meals for thousands of people every day. Volunteers worked alongside government agencies to distribute relief materials, organise medical camps and participate in sanitation and cleanliness drives aimed at preventing disease outbreaks.
Doctors, engineers and social workers from the Muslim community also played a key role in coordinating relief efforts. Volunteers reached remote villages to evacuate elderly people, women and children, reinforcing the message that humanity transcends religious and social divisions during times of crisis.
Their efforts drew appreciation from local residents as well as government officials, highlighting the spirit of compassion and community service displayed during the disaster.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said relief and rehabilitation work has been intensified across the flood-affected areas. He announced that families whose household belongings were damaged or destroyed would receive financial assistance of ₹6,800. Beneficiaries have been identified through a door-to-door survey, and disbursement has already begun.
In Surat City Police were also seen rescuing flood hit people from the Muslim quarters of the city by wading through next deep waters.
Utran Police safely rescues 100 people in flood-hit Velanja area of Surat
— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) July 8, 2026
People trapped in remote areas were rescued safely amidst danger
Locals laud Utran Police for their swift and commendable work#SuratRain #Velanja #UtranPolice #SuratPolice #FloodRescue #Surat #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/Ci4Rp2hDir
According to Sanghavi, more than 20 per cent of eligible families have already received the assistance, while the remaining beneficiaries will be covered within the stipulated timeframe. The government is also streamlining the distribution process to ensure timely delivery of aid.
ALSO READ: Chhattisgarh Waqf Board turns into a Nikah approval authority
Migrant workers have been among the worst affected by the floods. More than 150 workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states reportedly lost their belongings in the deluge. Taking note of their plight, Sanghavi directed officials to immediately provide them with fresh clothing and other essential relief supplies, underscoring the government's effort to extend assistance not only to local residents but also to migrant workers who lost their savings and possessions in the disaster.
