Flood scare in Guj, 22 dead
31 July 2015 4:39 AM IST
Army, NDRF teams and IAF helicopters have been roped in to carry out relief and rescue operations in the state, where at least 22 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents.
Heavy downpour for the past two days, triggered by deep depression over North Gujarat and Kutch regions, has thrown life out of gear.
“A team of Army from Dhranghdhra base in Surendranagar district in Gujarat and four teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Pune have been sent to Banaskantha,” said state disaster control room officer TB Patel.
Besides, two Air Force helicopters were roped in to carry out rescue operations in the district, he added.
“Rescue operation is going on in full swing and around 2,500 people have been shifted to safer places from Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana districts of North Gujarat. Around 100 were shifted to safer areas in Surat district of South Gujarat,” Patel said.
More than 1,000 cattle died as torrential rains continued wreaking havoc in Banaskantha, Mehsana and Patan, he said. Chief Minister <g data-gr-id="33">Anandiben</g> Patel is touring Mehsana to take stock of the situation.
MoS for Home Haribhai Chaudhary said the Centre is keeping a close watch on <g data-gr-id="39">flood-like</g> situation in Gujarat and will provide all necessary help to the state. “Centre is in live contact with the Gujarat government. I have talked to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary (GR <g data-gr-id="34">Aloria</g>). I have assured them that the Centre will provide all help needed to carry out relief and rescue work,” said Chaudhary, the sitting MP from Banaskantha.
Many parts of Banaskantha were cut off from the mainland and power supply was also disrupted in many areas. “Many villages of <g data-gr-id="37">Dhanera</g>, <g data-gr-id="38">Tharad</g>, Bhabhar and Deesa taluka have turned into islands due to heavy rain. Many approaching roads have also been washed away. We have sent six NDRF teams to evacuate people,” he added.
CM calls for restoration efforts in flood-hit areas
Gujarat Chief Minister <g data-gr-id="53">Anandiben</g> Patel on Wednesday visited districts in North Gujarat that are facing flood-like situation due to incessant rains. The CM has directed the local administration to intensify efforts to restore electricity and drinking water supply in the affected areas. Patel visited parts of Mehsana, Patan and Banaskantha districts in North Gujarat by road as <g data-gr-id="54">weather</g> was not suitable <g data-gr-id="55">to conduct an aerial survey</g>.
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