Army called in Suraj, 50,000 evacuated in Surat city

Ahmedabad, Aug 7 (UNI) The Army has been called in the Surat city by the Gujarat government following a flood situation threatening the city after eight lakh casecs of water was released from the Ukai Dam since 1500 hrs this afternoon.

Revenue Department Director (relief Operations) D A Satya told mediapersons that the water is being released from Ukai dam as the influx of water at present is about 12 lakh casecs following heavy rains in catchment areas in neighbouring Mdaharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

He said over 25,000 people residing in low-lying areas in Surat have already been evacuated to safer places. Another 25,000 will be shifted, he said.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has apprised Prime Minister Mfanmohan singh on the flood situation in South Gujarat.

Mr modi has urged the Prime Minister to ask Mfaharashtra Government not to release waters from its dams and water reservoirs unless they were filled to capacity.

Mr Satya said five platoons of army have been requisitioned to assis the civic administration and two of them had already reached Surat.

Four Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopers too have been requisitioned and two have already reached Surat city. Two other choppers will be reaching Vadodara from the Jodhpur airbase. This apart, 70 boats have been pressed into service in Surat city.

UNI MP MAZ VA KP2333