Surat Floods Claim 34 Lives: Victims Include Teen Walking Home, Garage Owner, School Van Driver

As floodwaters recede in Surat, the full scale of the tragedy is emerging. On Thursday, authorities recovered 22 more bodies, bringing the week's death toll to 34. Many victims had been missing since Tuesday, when the city recorded over 14 inches of rainfall in a single day—30% of the average for the entire monsoon season.

Among the deceased is Sandeep Mansukh Chovatiya, a 27-year-old garage owner. He was swept away while driving home with his brother Darshak. Darshak survived by clinging to a tree branch and was rescued by locals. Sandeep's body was found on the banks of the Tapi River, about 35 meters from where he disappeared. Police identified him through documents in his wallet.

Alpeshbhai Desai, 40, was walking home from his embroidery unit when he fell into the overflowing Varachha creek. His brother Bhavesh reported him missing after calls went unanswered. Alpesh's body was recovered near Adarsh School in Sarthana once the creek level fell. Bhavesh noted that Alpesh had recently taken loans to start his business, leaving his wife in financial distress.

Seventeen-year-old Kamran Sadik Patel, a powerloom worker, left his bike at the factory and began walking home after water entered the premises. His body was found on the banks of the Mithi Creek in Limbayat. His mother Shabana said the family had moved to a relative's upper-floor home after the creek overflowed into their residence.

Municipal Commissioner M Nagarajan stated that the creeks overflowed due to the intense rainfall, flooding eastern parts of the city. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the situation and announced a Rs 500 crore creek development project to prevent future flooding. Police and fire departments continued search and rescue operations as water levels subsided.