Gujarat: State Govt facing challenge of preventing diseases, restore power supply, roads

Ahmedabad, Jun 28: As the Gujarat government tries to restore normalcy in the wake of heavy rains which led to flooding in many parts of the state last week, one of the main priorities is to stop possible outbreak of epidemics.

Amreli district was hit hardest by the rains, with at least 33 persons dead and seven missing. Across the state, 70 people died.

Health Minister Nitin Patel said the administration was doing everything to restore normalcy. "One of the main priorities is to control outbreak of epidemic due to debris and muck. Cleaning is going in full swing. Teams of doctors and mobile hospitals have been sent to these regions," he said.

Transport minister Vijay Rupani has been camping in Amreli district to oversee relief work. He said the road connectivity had been re-established in most parts.

"Our top priorities are restoring road connectivity, electricity and drinking water facility. The floods have damaged many roads in the district, cutting off several villages," he said.

Electricity poles and transformers were washed away in many places, cutting off the power supply. "With the help of local administration, we have built most of the internal roads and restored connectivity. We are also trying to restore electricity. Barring few villages, electricity will be restored in all the villages by tonight."

Shortage of drinking water is another problem. "We have deployed 60 tankers in the district to provide drinking water. These tankers are making at least 400 trips daily," the minister said.

The state has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. In addition, the flood-affected persons will be given 'cash doles' for ten days in a single payment.

"We have started distributing cash doles. From tomorrow, we will also start distributing death compensation to the families of deceased," said Rupani.

"Revenue department teams have started extensive survey to assess the loss to farmers and cattle-owners. The report is expected in five days. Based on it, we will compensate the farmers," he said.

PTI