As severe floods continue to affect large parts of Gujarat, Muslim youths, religious institutions and social organisations have been playing a major role in rescue and relief operations, working alongside government agencies to help thousands of affected families.
The heavy rains have claimed 23 lives across the state, with Surat emerging as one of the worst-hit districts after receiving 358 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours. The downpour caused widespread flooding, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes.
According to official figures, more than 3,400 people have been rescued in Surat, while over 3,800 have been shifted to safer places. Across Gujarat, 7,522 people are currently staying in relief camps and 3,711 people have been rescued from flood-affected areas.
Mosques and Madrasas Open Doors for Flood Victims
In Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, Banaskantha and several other districts, Muslim volunteers used boats to rescue stranded residents from flooded neighbourhoods.
Many mosques and madrasas were converted into temporary relief shelters, providing accommodation, food, clean drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies to displaced families regardless of religion or caste.
Muslim trusts, charitable organisations and community groups also set up community kitchens, preparing thousands of meals every day for flood victims.
Volunteers worked with government authorities to distribute relief materials, organise medical camps and carry out sanitation and cleanliness drives to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
Doctors and Social Workers Join Rescue Operations
Doctors, engineers and social workers from the Muslim community also participated in relief efforts by coordinating rescue operations and reaching remote villages.
Volunteers helped evacuate elderly people, women and children from flooded areas, highlighting the spirit of humanitarian service during the crisis.
Their work has received appreciation from local residents as well as government officials for supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts during the disaster.
Government Announces Financial Assistance
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said relief and rehabilitation work has been intensified in the flood-hit districts.
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 the disbursement of assistance has already begun,” Sanghavi said.
According to him, more than 20 per cent of eligible families have already received the financial aid, while the remaining beneficiaries will receive assistance within the stipulated time.
The state government is also streamlining the distribution process to ensure relief reaches all affected families quickly.
Migrant Workers Among the Worst Affected
The floods have also severely affected migrant workers from states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. According to reports, more than 150 migrant workers lost their belongings in the flooding.
Taking note of their situation, Sanghavi directed officials to immediately provide fresh clothing and other essential relief materials to the affected workers.
Meanwhile, police personnel in Surat were also seen rescuing residents, including people living in Muslim-majority localities, by wading through waist-deep floodwaters.
