Surat: 1.1 Billion Litres of Floodwater Removed From Basements in 3 Days
More than 1.1 billion litres of water have been pumped out of the basements of high-rise apartments and commercial complexes in Surat in the three days since floodwaters receded, civic officials said on Tuesday.
This volume of water is equivalent to the capacity of 400 Olympic-size swimming pools. The pumping operation followed record rainfall on July 7, when the city received up to 14.5 inches of rain.
The downpour caused the Mithi and Bhedwad creeks to overflow, leading to mass evacuations in several areas. Since then, no further rain has been recorded.
Civic authorities have been focusing on cleaning streets and localities in Varachha, Udhna, Limbayat, Sachin and Punagam — all in East Surat, which were severely affected by the swollen creeks.
At least 34 bodies of people who went missing after the torrential rain have been recovered. Dozens of market and residential complexes were inundated by floodwater.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and have assured that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent further casualties and ensure the city's drainage systems are cleared.
