Gujarat: Death toll due to heavy rains reaches 53

The death toll due to heavy rains earlier this week which created a flood-like situation in north Gujarat has reached 53, officials said today.
Of these 28 deaths have occurred in the worst-affected Banaskantha district
"The death toll has reached 53 including 28 deaths in worth-hit Banaskantha district," said state emergency control room officials.
According to an official release, looking at the large scale devastation due to floods in north Gujarat and Kutch, Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today announced to give higher compensation for the loss of property.
In addition to Rs 3,800 given under the Centre's Calamity Relief Fund(CRF), the Gujarat government have announced to give Rs 3,200 more to those who have lost their household and belongings in the flood, taking the total compensation to Rs 7,000, it added.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Haribhai Chaudhary today arrived in Banasknatha, his constituency, for a two-day visit to take stock of situation.

He held a review meeting with local officials and will visit the flood affected region tomorrow, it added.
"14 teams comprising 592 jawans of different agencies including National Disaster Response Force, Border Security Force, State Reserve Police and 5 Air Force helicopters were deployed for the relief and rescue work here," Chaudhary said.
"Around 3,000 persons have been rescued so far. Government will carry out a detailed survey to assess loss in the region" he added.