Widespread rains in Gujarat, death toll mounts to 11

Ahmedabad, Aug 13 (UNI) The second spell of heavy rains in Gujarat has left 11 people dead with the rain onslaught still continuing today in parts of the state as water-level of several dams was hovering near the danger mark, forcing authorities to shift 3,500 people to safer places, and train services between the city and Mumbai and New delhi were disrupted.

One person died in Vapi town when a tree fell on him, while three people drowned in Vadodara yesterday. Four rain-related deaths were reported from Valsad district in last 48 hours, while three people died in different places in the state due to drowning or electrocution, official sources said.

Navasari town was cut off from rest of the state due to flooding of highways and snapping of telecommunication lines.

In Rajkot, where 150 mm rains was recorded in last 30 hours, an old house collapsed, leading to injuries to a 26-year-old woman.

Five rivers in Dangs were overflowing due to heavy rains, while Navapura village has been cut off from rest of the state.

Authorities have taken measures to provide basic facilities to the affected people.

A bridge connecting Makarpura-Varnama villages in Narmada district has been submerged, the sources said, Major cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara and Gandhinagar have been receiving incessant rains.

Meanwhile, around 3500 people had to be evacuated to safety in central and south Gujarat. Nearly 25 small and big dams were overflowing forcing the authorities to release their water.

The Met department has predicted heavy to very heavy rains in the next 24 hours. According to the forecast, north Gujarat and Kutch, which have not received substantial rains so far, will receive heavy showers, while south Gujarat and Saurashtra will continue to experience heavy rains.

UNI TEAM OBB SP BST2049