People of Gujarat heaved a sigh of relief as the rain paused on Thursday and flooding water started receding in low lying areas. However, heavy rain took its toll as nearly 40 people died in the State due to flood. Food packets were distributed in the affected areas with the help of helicopters. Those involved in the rescue operation believe that the death toll may increase in the State in next couple of days.
State Relief Commissioner DN Pandey confirmed that 38 people lost their life due to heavy rain that includes 27 in Amreli district alone. “Four casualties have been reported in Rajkot, three in Bhavnagar, two in Surat and one each in Bharuch and Valasad districts,” said Pandey, adding that rescue operation in full swing in the affected areas and people trapped in low lying areas have shifted to safer places.
Around 60 villages in Amreli district were cut off from rest of the State. The situation worsened after waters of Shetrunji River entered surrounding villages. Bagasara town in the district received 27 inches of rain in the span of just eight hours. Thirteen people died in the town after two housed collapsed due to heavy rains.
“A team of Indian Air Force (IAF) rescued 87 people stranded in the inundated Gavadka and Khari villages of Amreli district. They also dropped 120 kg of food packets to inaccessible places where are still stranded,” said Wing commander Abhishek Matiman. With the help of four IAF helicopters dropped 15,000 food packets in the Saurashtra region.
“NDRF and Air Force teams are rescuing people. luckily rain has stopped and they are able to carry forward rescue operation with as quickly as possible. local administration is also providing them support,” said Amreli Collector HR Suthar.
Gujarat witnessed incessant rain on Wednesday following deep depression over the Arabian Sea, said a senior official of Gujarat Meteorological Department, adding that the depression moved towards Madhya Pradesh and as result of it, the there has been relief in the State. Though there would be rain in Gujarat in next couple of day but intensity might be low, he added.
In some areas near Gir forest, people spotted lions drowning in flood. Few lions were also reportedly came out on the road to save themselves from the flooding rivers passing through jungle areas.
CM announces Rs 4l relief to families of deceased
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel reviewed the situation and conducted aerial survey of the affected areas on Thursday. She also visited worst affected Amreli district and instructed the district administration to speed up rescue and relief operation. Patel also conducted aerial review of other flood affected areas in Saurashtra region including Gondal, Vadia, Bagasara and Dhari.
The Chief Minister has also announced `4 lakh financial compensation to the families of deceased. She also instructed the officials to airdrop clean drinking water and ensured that health teams reach all the affected areas on priority basis.