Floods wash away 14,600 ha of farmland in Gujarat

Gujarat Health Minister <g data-gr-id="25">Nitinbhai</g> Patel said most of the damage occurred in Amreli and Rajkot, where <g data-gr-id="26">Shetrunji</g> and <g data-gr-id="27">Bhadar</g> rivers overflowed, after incessant rains on June 24. 

"Damage to agricultural land situated on the banks of these rivers is <g data-gr-id="29">maximum,</g> since flood waters entered villages due to overflowing rivers. As per our primary survey, around 10,000 hectares of land have been rendered unusable due to the flood," Patel said.

About 4,600 hectares of farmland, including those with standing crops, were washed away in other districts as well, including 1,300 hectares in Valsad, 1,622 hectares in Bharuch and 1,700 hectares in Gir-Somnath district, he said.

Patel said the government was awaiting the final survey report in order to compensate those who had lost their crops.

"In Amreli alone, 61 teams are carrying out a comprehensive survey to assess the crop loss. We have already surveyed over 7,000 hectares. We will take a decision on the compensation, after the final survey report of entire state arrives," Patel said.

He said Amreli, where at least 41 persons died, is the worst affected district. He said as many as 3,700 cattle died in Amreli alone, for which, the government will pay Rs 30,000 each as compensation to the owners.