Muslim Volunteers Join Frontline Relief Work as Gujarat Battles Severe Floods
Community groups, mosques, and volunteers support rescue and relief efforts as thousands remain affected by heavy flooding across Gujarat.
Heavy floods triggered by intense rainfall have caused widespread destruction across Gujarat, leaving at least 23 people dead and forcing thousands to leave their homes. As rescue and relief operations continue, members of the Muslim community have played an important role by working alongside government agencies to assist people affected by the disaster.
Surat has been one of the worst hit districts after recording 358 mm of rainfall within just 24 hours. Floodwaters submerged several residential areas, leading to large scale rescue efforts. According to official figures, more than 3,400 people were rescued in Surat, while over 3,800 residents were moved to safer locations. Across Gujarat, 7,522 people are currently staying in relief camps, and 3,711 others have been evacuated from flood affected areas.
In districts such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Banaskantha, Muslim volunteers used boats to rescue people stranded in flooded neighbourhoods. Many mosques and madrasas opened their doors as temporary shelters, providing food, drinking water, medicines, and other essential supplies to families regardless of their religion or caste.
Several charitable organisations and community trusts also established community kitchens that prepared thousands of meals each day. Volunteers supported government teams by helping distribute relief materials, organise medical camps, improve sanitation, and carry out disease prevention activities.
Doctors, engineers, and social workers from the Muslim community helped coordinate rescue efforts and ensured assistance reached remote villages. They also focused on evacuating elderly people, women, and children, earning appreciation from local residents as well as government officials.
Meanwhile, the Gujarat government has stepped up rehabilitation work under the supervision of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. Families whose household belongings were damaged are being provided financial assistance of ₹6,800. Officials said that more than 20 percent of eligible beneficiaries have already received support after door to door surveys.
The government has also extended assistance to migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who suffered heavy losses during the floods. Police personnel have remained actively involved in rescue operations across the state, including in Muslim majority localities.
The ongoing relief work has highlighted the importance of community cooperation, with volunteers, government agencies, and local residents coming together to support those affected by one of Gujarat’s worst flood emergencies in recent times.