Water levels are receding in most of the areas in the flood-hit districts of Gujarat. Eight districts have reported heavy rainfall during the last 24 hours. Kheda, Anand and Nadiad and pockets of Ahmedabad rural and Vadodra districts remain the worst hit. The death toll has risen to 124 even as 2.33 lakh people have been evacuated to safer locations.
Secretary, in-charge of Disaster Management, Dr. D.K. Shankaran reviewed the flood situation and relief and rescue operation at a meeting of high-level inter-ministerial committee here today. The meeting was informed that traffic on Express Highway has started in a limited way last evening. National Highway 6, 8 and 8E have also become operational for select vehicles. National Highway 59 will be started by this evening.
Nine Army columns have been deployed for rescue and relief work, involving 700 personnel and 80 boats. 740 CRPF personnel are deployed in Nadiad, Kheda Anand and Ahmedabad rural. Eight Air Force helicopters are operating from Ahmedabad and Vadodra carrying relief supplies to the people.
Rail transport has been revived on Delhi-Mumbai route. In Gujarat, railway personnel are working round the clock to restore tracks and start traffic. The passengers stranded in various trains and in railway stations have all reached their destinations safely.
AD/MC/NSR-1300 hrs
(Release ID :9986)