Modi undertakes aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Gujarat, announces relief package

Modi is scheduled to take an aerial survey of the flood affected areas later in the day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took an aerial survey of the flood affected areas in Gujarat and assured full support from the Centre in relief and rescue operations.

After the survey, Modi lauded Gujarat government for their efforts in handling the flood and announced compensation for those affected by the natural disaster.

"I have taken stock of the situation due to floods. Officers from the Government of India will assist in the short term and long term measures...Everything possible will be done to help the farmers, who suffer immensely due to floods," he said.

"I announce ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PM relief fund to kin of those killed in floods, and Rs. 50,000 to those injured," he added.

He also praised social organisations for having played an active role in rescue and relief operations in the wake of the floods.

"I have faith in the strength of the people of Gujarat. The people of Gujarat are blessed with a strong spirit of resilience. These floods will not impact the development journey of Gujarat," he added.

chaired a review meeting with Rupani and other senior officials of the state administration at the Ahmedabad Airport to take stock of the flood situation in the state.

As many as 25,000 people were shifted, mostly in Banaskantha, Gujarat, as the district faced its worst floods in recent years. A high alert has been sounded as more than 20 highways of the state got submerged.

Modi arrives in Ahmedabad for meeting

It was reported earlier that Modi would take an aerial survey of the flood affected areas. The Gujarat Chief Minister, who had reviewed the situation with top officials on Monday said that the problem has been compounded by heavy rains in neighbouring Rajasthan which has led to surge in water levels of rivers and dams.

Modi and CM Rupani at the meeting

CM Rupani had called on the Prime Minister and apprised him of the situation arising out of incessant rain and flood in parts of the state. Later, PM decided to do the aerial survey this afternoon. Rupani and revenue minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama had earlier rushed to Deesa to oversee the rescue and relief operations.

Modi being apprised about flood situation

Authorities have declared a state-wide "high alert" and call out the Army, the Air Force and NDRF teams for assistance. Dantiwada and Sipu dams are overflowing, and due to the release of water from the dams, people living in low-lying areas have been shifted to safer places, Rupani said.

PM given briefing on relief and rescue operations

While teams of National Disaster Response Force, and other rescue agencies are at work, the Air Force has been kept on stand-by to evacuate people. On Monday evening, more rescue workers were sent into the affected areas. Heavy rains are expected till July 29.

#WATCH: IAF MI-17V5 helicopter winches a person, clinging onto electric pole amidst gushing flood waters, to safety in Gujarat's Banaskantha pic.twitter.com/3xKl1NKeYR

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 25, 2017

Relief and rescue operations

The Indian Air Force, which is conducting regular sorties to rescue civilians in the flood-hit areas, on Tuesday reportedly rescued 113 people in Shihori and Jhabadiya villages of Banaskantha

According to reports, 339 major and minor roads in Banaskantha, including one national highway, 20 state highways and 218 village roads are closed for traffic due to heavy flooding. Late in the evening, Palanpur-Abu highway was also closed for traffic. Huge quantity of grains were also damaged as flood waters gushed into the marketing yards.

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