Modi in Gujarat to carry out aerial survey of flood-hit areas

Ahmedabad, July 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reached Gujarat to conduct aerial survey of the flood situation in his home state. Modi's visit comes in the wake of a request from Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

The Prime Minister left for Gujarat after the swearing-in ceremony of President Ram Nath Kovind.

Torrential rains in north Gujarat have caused flood in Banaskantha and Patan districts.

After the aerial survey, the PM will chair a meeting to review progress of flood relief work with CM, ministers, and senior officials of the state government at Ahmedabad airport.

Authorities have declared a state-wide "high alert" and call out the Army, the Air Force and NDRF teams for assistance.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who had reviewed the situation with top officials on Monday said that the problem has been compounded by heavy rains in neighbouring Rajasthan which has led to surge in water levels of rivers and dams.

He had called on the Prime Minister and apprised him of the situation arising out of incessant rain and flood in parts of the state. Later, PM decided to to do the aerial survey this afternoon.

Dantiwada and Sipu dams are overflowing, and due to the release of water from the dams, people living in low-lying areas have been shifted to safer places, he had said.

PTI