Flood situation improves, Patan still in its grips

Ahmedabad, Aug 20 (UNI) Flood situation in north Gujarat districts, Ahmedabad city and surrounding areas has improved following reduced water discharge from Ukai and Dharoi dams but Patan district continues to be in the grip of the deluge.

The death toll in the recent rains and floods in the State has been put at 243 with the toll pegged at 143 in Surat city alone.

Elsewhere in Surat district, 15 deaths were reported.

The discharge of water 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 1.8 lakh cusecs respectively.

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, the army has been called in Radhanpur town in Patan district following a breach in the Bhad Talao. Heavy rains in the region have left the town and its surrounding areas marooned. The Patan district administration has evacuated over 12,000 people to safer places.

According to mamlatdar L F Vasaiya, the flowing water from Bhad Talao has marooned major parts of the town and also submberged National Highway No 14 connecting Delhi-Kandla.

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