Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today briefed the media persons about the latest situation after flood in parts of Saurashtra region. Rupani said 700 persons are rescued from flood water in the state during recent very heavy rain situation. 22 NDRF teams are in the field. Rupani said survey for damage and loss will be conducted and deserving relief amount as per the norms will be released.

Rupani said he reviewed the latest situation with officials. The rainfall has reduced from today. If we take it positively, Gujarat has received 3% more rain so far compared to same period in the last monsoon. The picture has changed in recent days. There’s not a single taluka in the state with zero taluka. 60 talukas are such that have lesser than 5 inch rain each. The government has decided to release water from Kadana reservoir to fill Sujalam Sufalam ponds. Narmada main canal and sub canal will supply water upto Morbi and Kutch for irrigation purpose. As per forecast 23-24-25-26 will bring rains to North Gujarat and Kutch side. Last year two systems had developed one from Arabian Sea and another from Bay of Bengal. This year there’s one system which is from Bay of Bengal and it brings water from Madhya Pradesh side. Coastal areas have received good rains. Water has started receding at present mostly. Only one village is without road connectivity. It is in Una area. It is however being reached through tractor. More than 27,000 food packets are distributed. 14 persons are dead due to drowning. Others 18 deaths are due to lightening, wall collapse, electric shock etc reasons. 160 cattle are dead. 161 teams are formed by revenue department for survey and relief as per norms. 111 roads are damaged or washed away of which 6 are state highways, 95 are panchayat roads and 7 other roads. R&B department is working for temporary access. Electric power has been restored to all villages. 290 health teams will be active from tomorrow with medicines, chlorine, lime powder, malaria prevention teams. Instructions are given for cleaning work. The rainfall has solved drinking water issue. Around 14 dams were overflowing and many were around 50% full.

He mentioned that senior IAS officers Sanjay Nandan and Sunaina Tomar were on the ground to look after the flood-affected districts assigned to them. He also mentioned that ministers including Kunvarji Bavalia, Ganpat Vasava, RC Faldu, Jayesh Radadia etc were on the ground.

Rupani said government’s first priority was to rescue the people. Rupani said the number of affected villages is 25. In reply to a question, Rupani said all relief assistance in the case of Banaskantha flood of previous year has been paid based on survey.

DeshGujarat