Floods paralyse Surat city; outflow reduced from Ukai dam

Ahmedabad, Aug 9 (UNI) Life has come to a standstill in South Gujarat's Surat city as water level rose further in low-lying areas, while newer areas got flooded as Tapti river had swollen further since last night.

According to sources, the water level is rising in the city and surrounding 60 villages, as downstream flow of Tapti river has slowed down, as also sea-water from Arabian sea is increasing due to fullmoon nights.

However, amid the grim picture, the authorities have reduced the outflow of water from Ukai dam to 7.5 lakh cusec from 0800 hrs today, as compared to yesterday's over nine lakh cusec, as the inflow of water has also receded in the last 20 hours.

Gujarat government information department also said the water outflow rate from Ukai dam was now around 7.5 lakh cusec, which has given a great relief to people of Surat. This will also help the administration in relief and rescue operations in the marooned commercial city of the state, where majority of people have taken shelter either on roof tops or have shifted to higher places.

Sources said inflow of water in the dam had further reduced and the rate of inflow and outflow is being maintained at the same level to make sure that there was no rise in the water level of the dam.

The dam had crossed its full reserve level (FRL) yesterday evening when water was overflowing at the height of 345.6 ft. This continued till early morning today. The FRL of the dam is 345 ft.

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