Seven die, 5200 shifted as Poorna, Kaveri overflow due to heavy rain

Ahmedabad, Jul 5 (UNI) At least seven people have died during the last 24 hours as heavy rains continued to lash Gujarat today, taking the toll to 29 since the monsoon had set in the state.

Over 4,000 people have been shifted from the low-lying areas of Navsari and another 1,200 from Bilimora, even as 10,000 life jackets have been placed with district administrations.

Poorna River is flowing at 24.5 feet as against its danger level of 23 feet, Kaveri River at 22 feet as against its danger level of 19 feet, while Ambica River, flowing at 33 feet, is still below its danger mark of 35 feet.

Nearly 29,000 cusec of water is being released from Madhuban dam in Navsari district on Damanganga River, as it reached 67.85 metres.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet meeting presided over by Law Minister Ashok Bhatt has advised fishermen against venturing into the sea and asked its disaster management teams to be ready for exigency.

Over 10,000 temporary shelters have been set up in 2,000 worst-affected villages, mostly in south Gujarat, says a press release here tonight.

In the meantime, 97 roads have been closed down, including 62 in the southernmost Navsari district.

Out of seven deaths reported during the last 24 hours, three were from Valod, Udhna and Songadh (Surat district), two from Anand and one each from Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad. The official figures however put today's death roll to only two.

(ED: Pl pick up from earlier weather series) UNI TEAM-VKC MAZ PR BD2225