With the intensity of rain having reduced in the flood-affected areas of Gujarat, 290 teams would be active from Friday with necessary medicines, chlorine, lime powder and drugs related to malaria prevention, said Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Addressing a Press conference on Thursday evening, Rupani said that though first priority of the State administration would be rescuing people but at the same time the Government was alert to prevent possibility of epidemic. The district administrations in the flood affected areas has been asked to carry out cleanliness drive to prevent epidemic like situation, he said.
“As many as 22 NDRF teams are working round the clock in the flood affected areas of Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions. Till Thursday evening, more than 700 people rescued. Very soon survey on damage to properties and agriculture land will be conducted. On the basis of outcome of the survey financial relief would be distributed. Already 161 teams have been formed for the purpose,” said the Chief Minister.
As many as 32 persons lost their lives due to heavy rains, confirmed CM Rupani adding that of them 14 died due to drowning and others due to lightening, wall collapse, electric shock and other reasons related to rains. According to him, 160 domestic animals were killed due to nature’s fury.
“Total 111 roads washed away that include six State highways. Road and Building department has been asked to prepare temporary access in the affected areas. 27,000 food packets have been distributed and more numbers of food packets is given in critically affected areas,” he added.
Talking about the positive side of the rain, Rupani said that due to rain, drinking water problem in the State has solved as already 14 dams were overflowing and others have been filled more than 50 per cent. Moreover dams are continuously receiving fresh water, he says adding that the rains would be beneficial for agriculture too.