Death toll rises to 70 in Gujarat due to heavy rains, flooding

The death toll due to heavy rainfall, followed by a flood-like situation in many parts of Gujarat has gone up to 70, including 26 casualties in the worst affected Amreli district, it was officially announced here today.
"Around 70 people died due to heavy rains," Gujarat state health minister and spokesperson Nitin Patel said.
According to figures provided by the Gujarat state emergency control room, 26 people died in Amreli, which is the worst hit district, while five deaths each have been reported in Bharuch, Jamnagar, Kutch and Rajkot districts.
Four died in Devbhoomi-Dwarka, while three deaths each have been registered in the districts of Bhavnagar, Junagadh and Surendranagar. Two deaths were registered in Dahod, Mehsana, Morbi and Surat, while one death each have been registered in Kheda, Porbandar, and Valsad, as per official figures.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat government has announced Rs 4 lakh each as compensation to famalies of the deceased. "We have decided to give a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to famalies of all the deceased. In addition, we have also decided to give cash doles for the next ten days to people in affected areas," Gujarat health minister and spokesperson of the government Nitin Patel said.
Besides this assistance, the Gujarat state government plans to provide financial aid to those who lost their property and livestock.
"We have asked local administrations of the affected districts to carry out an extensive survey to determine the loss. We will provide financial aide to those who have lost crops, livestock, houses and other properties as per norms," Patel said.

Earlier during the day, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel conducted an aerial review of several parts of the Saurashtra region, like Amreli and Gondal, which are badly flooded due to heavy rains yesterday.