Social media played a crucial role in a major rescue operation after a viral video helped authorities save more than 30 people stranded in floodwaters in Navsari district amid heavy rains in South Gujarat.
The Gujarat Police has been actively monitoring social media platforms for distress calls as flood-like conditions continue to affect districts such as Navsari and Valsad. Upon identifying emergency posts, the police traces the victims’ locations and coordinates with district authorities and disaster response teams to carry out rescue operations.
In one such incident, over 30 people trapped at a shrimp pond in Bhat village of Gandevi taluka were airlifted to safety by an Indian Coast Guard helicopter after the Ambika River overflowed on Thursday.
The stranded group recorded a video seeking help, which quickly went viral online. Acting swiftly, the Gujarat Police alerted the district administration, disaster control room and the Indian Coast Guard. A coordinated rescue operation was launched, and all those stranded were safely evacuated on Friday.
The Gujarat Police’s GP SMASH (Social Media Monitoring, Analysis and Support Hub) has been operating round the clock during the ongoing monsoon emergency. Officials said the team has responded to more than 15 distress posts on social media so far, helping authorities locate victims and support relief and rescue operations across the affected districts.