Flood-like situation in parts of Gujarat; Army, IAF roped in

Flood-like situation prevailed in parts of Gujarat due to incessant rains, with Banaskantha in the north emerging as the worst-affected district, where Army as well as NDRF teams and IAF helicopters have been roped in for relief and rescue operations.
Heavy downpour since the last two days, triggered by deep depression over north Gujarat and Kutch regions, has thrown life out of gear and has so far claimed 22 lives in rain-related incidents.
Torrential rains have caused flood-like situation in Banaskantha, where 2,500 people have been evacuated to safer places.
"A team of Army from Dhranghdhra base in Surendranagar district in Gujarat and four teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Pune were sent to Banaskantha district today, which is worst affected," state disaster control room officer T B Patel told PTI.

Besides, two Indian Air Force helicopters were also roped in for rescue operations in the district, he added.
"Rescue operation is going on in full swing and around 2,500 people were shifted to safer places from Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana districts of north Gujarat. Around 100 people were also shifted to safer areas in Surat district of south Gujarat," Patel said.

Over 1,000 cattle died in rain-related incidents in Banaskantha, Mehsana and Patan districts in the last two days as many animal shelters got marooned, he said.
Many parts of Banaskantha district were cut off from the mainland and power supply was disrupted in many areas also. Vadgam in Banaskantha district received 495 mm of rains in the last 24 hours, followed by Deesa (410 mm), Palanpur (317 mm), Amirgadh (314 mm) and Dhanera (302 mm) talukas reported highest rainfall in the last 24 hours.

Chief Minister Anandi Patel is touring Mehsana to take stock of the situation.
Union Minister of State for Home Haribhai Chaudhary said the Centre is keeping a close watch on flood-like situation in Gujarat and will provide all the necessary help to the state for relief and rescue work.
"Centre is in live contact with Gujarat government. I have also talked with the Chief Minister as well as Chief Secretary (G R Aloria). I have assured them that Centre will provide all the help needed for relief and rescue work," Chaudhary, who is the sitting MP from Banaskantha, said.