Gujarat CM to undertake aerial survey of rain-affected areas

At least 45 dead due to heavy rains in the state

At least 45 people have died because of heavy rains in Gujarat, 36 in the Amreli district alone. 

Heavy rains triggered flash floods that left thousands stranded in Amreli, Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Gir-Somnath districts. 

Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, who had called an emergency meeting on Wednesday to take stock of the situation, is expected to to take an aerial survey of the rain affected areas today. She will also hold a high level meeting at the district collectorate at Amreli, which is expected to be attended by senior state government officials. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rains in the state on Thursday with the deep depression over Arabian Sea advancing further into Gujarat. Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in Ahmedabad district and Surat. 

An aerial operation was also launched yesterday to airlift people. The Indian Air Force (IAF) air-lifted 44 people after their bus got stuck in flood water on a state highway near Amreli.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team rescued 85 stranded people in Bagasara town in Amreli. 

The Ahmedabad district collector has issued a directive to all primary and secondary schools in the city and rural areas to remain closed on Thursday. Around 3,000 small and big schools will remain closed since many areas are waterlogged.