The Valiya taluka of Bharuch district faced a severe crisis as 16 inches of rainfall in just 14 hours unleashed devastating floods, exacerbating the already critical situation caused by relentless downpours since Monday. The industrial region, already on edge due to continuous rains, received a staggering 450mm of rainfall within a span of 28 hours, severely impacting both infrastructure and livelihoods.
The unprecedented rainfall caused the Kim River, which flows through the Valiya and Hansot talukas, to breach its banks, leading to widespread flooding in nearby villages. Daheli village in Valiya was among the hardest hit, with floodwaters isolating it from the outside world, effectively turning it into an island. Within Daheli, Kachhota Faliya was particularly affected, leaving 87 residents cut off from communication and emergency services for several hours. Meanwhile, Netrang town also experienced substantial rainfall, recording 127mm between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday. In response to the escalating crisis, authorities released 2.45 lakh cusecs of water from the Narmada dam to manage the rising water levels. The situation remained critical as the water level at Golden Bridge surged to 20.66 feet by 8 p.m., alarmingly close to the danger mark of 22 feet. Consequently, a high alert was issued for Bharuch town, which was already grappling with the flood’s aftermath.
The severity of the situation in Valiya was further highlighted when a house in Mera Faliya, Daheli, collapsed due to the overwhelming floodwaters. Fortunately, the three occupants, including a child, managed to escape without injury. The floods also trapped two cars, prompting locals to use a tractor to rescue the stranded passengers. Elsewhere, the Tokri River, swollen by the torrential rains, washed away the Valiya-Mangrol Road, cutting off a critical transportation route. In nearby Mera village, a truck overturned in the floods, but quick action by local residents ensured the safe rescue of the driver and cleaner. The impact of the flooding extended beyond Valiya, affecting several villages in the Hansot taluka, including Panjroli, Obha, Asarasa, Ilav, and Balota, all of which suffered significant inundation due to the overflowing Kim River. As a result, key roads including Valiya-Daulatpur, Valiya-Vadi, and Valiya-Desad-Sodgam-Gundiya were closed to traffic, further isolating the region.
To aid in the evacuation process and monitor the evolving situation, the Bharuch district administration deployed drones across Valiya, providing real-time data to assist in managing the ongoing disaster. As the region braces for further challenges, the resilience and prompt response of the local community and authorities remain crucial in mitigating the impact of this natural calamity.
