Rains: More than 5,000 people shifted to safer places in Guj

Ahmedabad, Aug 24: With water in the Narmada dam flowing at 130.64 metre level following heavy rains in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, the administrations in south Gujarat districts of Bharuch and Narmada have shifted more than 5,000 people to safer places.

The present height of under-construction Narmada dam is 121.92 meters, while the water is flowing over the dam at 130.64 meters, according to the official information.

"Heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh have resulted in water being released from Narmada dam, which has flooded low-lying areas of Bharuch city. More than 5,000 people from 30 villages of Bharuch district and low-lying areas of Bharuch city have been shifted to safer places," collector Avantika Singh said.

"At least 2,900 cattle has also been shifted to safer places. One team of State Reserve Police (SRP) trained in relief and rescue operations has been kept on standby while eight Quick Response Teams have been alerted," she told.

The water level at Golden Bridge on river Narmada, which connects Bharuch to the industrial town of Ankleshwar, has crossed 33.5 feet; much above the danger level of 24 feet. In Narmada district, 149 people from Sisodara village of Nandod tehsil have been shifted to safer places as a precautionary measure following release of water from Narmada dam.

District collector Rakesh Shankar said 100 cattle from Vasan village in Tilakwada tehsil of the district had also been moved after water started flooding low-lying areas. Indian Meteorological Department's regional director Jayant Sarkar said the situation was expected to improve by tomorrow following the weakening of low-pressure activity over western Madhya Pradesh which resulted in heavy rains.

PTI