Indian Coast Guard Rescues 170 Lives during Multi-Location Flood Relief Operations in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli

Mumbai, 25 July 2026: Demonstrating its unwavering commitment towards safeguarding lives at sea and during natural disasters, the Indian Coast Guard Air Station (ICGAS) Daman has been at the forefront of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in the flood-affected regions of South Gujarat and the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

Since the onset of severe flooding following incessant rainfall from the night of 22 July 2026, ICGAS Daman, in close coordination with the civil administration, State Disaster Response agencies, and local authorities, has mounted sustained rescue operations under extremely challenging weather conditions. Through a combination of helicopter sorties and Disaster Relief Team (DRT) deployments, the Indian Coast Guard has successfully rescued 140 stranded civilians from multiple flood-affected locations.

The rescue operations were carried out in difficult terrain, fast-flowing floodwaters, and areas where road connectivity had been completely severed. Despite adverse weather conditions, Coast Guard personnel displayed exceptional courage, professionalism, and swift response, ensuring the safe evacuation of vulnerable civilians.

The major rescue operations undertaken are as follows:

* Khanvel, Silvassa (22/23 Jul): A Disaster Relief Team conducted midnight rescue operations, saving 05 persons stranded due to rapidly rising floodwaters.

* Kadaiya Coastal Area (23 Jul): 03 fishermen stranded along the flooded riverbank were safely rescued by the Disaster Relief Team.

* Welspun Industrial Area (23/24 Jul): During overnight operations, the Disaster Relief Team rescued 60 persons trapped in an industrial area that had become inaccessible due to severe flooding and complete road disruption.

* Aero Fibre Pvt Ltd and surrounding area (23 Jul): 07 persons stranded inside a bus submerged in floodwaters were successfully evacuated to safety.

* Dongri: The Disaster Relief Team rescued 10 persons isolated by floodwaters.

* Valsad/Pardi (23 Jul): An Indian Coast Guard helicopter executed a challenging rescue mission in adverse weather conditions, safely airlifting 04 stranded persons.

* Reliance Industries Area (23/24 Jul): During midnight rescue operations, the Disaster Relief Team evacuated 08 persons from flood-affected areas.

* Avadh Society Area (23/24 Jul): 10 persons were rescued during overnight operations, including a nine-month pregnant woman and a woman suffering from respiratory distress, both requiring urgent evacuation.

* Mendar Village, Navsari District (24 & Jul): In one of the largest rescue missions of the operation, 63 persons were airlifted to safety by two Coast Guard Chetak helicopters. The rescued individuals included one person experiencing severe chest pain, necessitating immediate medical evacuation.

Throughout the ongoing relief efforts, Indian Coast Guard aircrew and Disaster Relief Teams have continued to operate relentlessly in hazardous conditions, overcoming strong winds, reduced visibility, submerged infrastructure, and swift flood currents to reach stranded civilians.

The operations underscore the Indian Coast Guard’s preparedness, operational capability, and steadfast commitment to humanitarian assistance during natural calamities. Working in seamless coordination with civil authorities, ICGAS Daman remains fully committed to providing timely assistance and continues to monitor the evolving flood situation, with assets maintained at high readiness for further rescue missions whenever required.

The Indian Coast Guard reiterates its commitment to the motto “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect) by standing ready to safeguard lives and provide assistance whenever the nation calls.