New Delhi: In the Sachin area of Gujarats Surat, a multi-storey building collapsed on Saturday afternoon amid prolonged heavy rainfall, leading to the deaths of seven individuals and leaving six to seven others feared trapped for over 12 hours. Rescue operations are ongoing as emergency responders work tirelessly to locate and free those still under the debris.Immediate Response and Rescue EffortsThe collapse occurred around 3 PM, prompting an immediate response from local police, fire brigade, and specialised rescue teams. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the fire department quickly mobilised to the scene, coordinating efforts to rescue those trapped inside.Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, overseeing the operation, confirmed the retrieval of three bodies by nightfall. He also noted that rescuers initially heard voices from within the rubble, raising hopes for further rescues.Details of the CollapseThe building, constructed in 2016-17, housed 30 flats, of which four to five were occupied at the time of the incident. Many residents were either at work or trapped while sleeping when the building gave way. One woman was successfully rescued shortly after the collapse.Recent Construction Incidents in GujaratThis tragic incident is not isolated, as Gujarat has seen other construction-related accidents this year. In March, four workers were injured, and another was trapped for seven hours after part of an under-construction medical college building in Morbi town collapsed. The incident occurred around 8 PM on March 9, during roof-filling work on the first floor.Ongoing Rescue and Community ImpactRescue operations in Surat continue as authorities strive to locate and save the remaining trapped individuals. The community remains on edge, with the collapse highlighting the vulnerabilities in building safety and the urgent need for stringent construction standards, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall.As the rescue efforts progress, the focus remains on saving lives and providing support to those affected by this devastating collapse. The incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and the resilience of the community and rescue teams in times of crisis.
