India, July 25 -- Heavy rains battered several parts of Gujarat on Friday, prompting massive relief and rescue operations, including those helmed by the Army and Coast Guard, resulting in the evacuation of more than 40,500 persons and the rescue of another 2,637, while five deaths were reported, officials said.

Officials said 49 teams, including NDRF personnel airlifted from Odisha as well as SDRF, Army and Coast Guard, were deployed in various districts, especially in Navsari and Valsad, which got some respite from the downpour after two days of extremely heavy rains.

The rain-related deaths occurred in Tapi, Valsad, Anand, Mehsana and Panchmahal districts, Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana said.

Mehmedabad in Kheda received 507 mm ...