Flood situation improves in Gujarat, over 70,000 evacuated

Ahmedabad, Aug 20 (UNI) The flood situation is easing in districts of north Gujarat, Ahmedabad city and surrounding areas following reduction in the water discharge from the Ukai and Dharoi dams.

The discharge from Vanakbori and Dharoi dams into Mahisagar and Sabarmati rivers respectively has been reduced from 6.5 lakh and 2.25 lakh cusecs to 5.5 lakh and 2.2 lakh cusecs respectively.

However, the civic administration, police and fire brigade personnel are still on high alert. They are being assisted by the army and SRPF jawans in the relief and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, officials reported three deaths in rain-related incidents in Ahmedabad district.

They said that five columns of the army have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. Two army columns each are engaged in Anand and Ahmedabad districts, while one is engaged in Kheda district.

Over 72,000 people residing in low-lying areas in these flood affected areas have been shifted to safer places by authorities since last night.

The Kadana, Vanakbori and Dharoi dams had been overflowing due to incessant rains in North Gujarat and South Rajasthan since Thursday.

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