Modi calls for Central relief package

A flood-like situation has developed in south Gujarat due to incessant rainfall over the last three or four days. Over 300 villages in the region have been submerged under flood water and thousands are affected.

Chief minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey of flood affected areas in Surat on Wednesday.

"The approximate damage caused by the rains in Gujarat is in the region of Rs 1000 crore," he said.

Modi also travelled to Bhathena and Anjana Farm areas of the city "" the worst hit by the rains "" and met several people affected by the floods.

Modi was also supposed to travel to Bamroli, Udhna and some other areas but had to cancel the plan as a majority of the roads in these areas are still submerged under water.

After conducting the survey, Modi had a meeting with high-ranking officials including municipal commissioner G R Aloria, district collector Pankaj Joshi, commissioner of police V K Gupta, and reviewed the situation.

Modi directed the officials to start relief camps for the affected persons at the earliest. He also asked chief secretary P K Laheri and water resources minister Narottam Patel to remain in Surat till there is an improvement in the situation.

Talking to media-persons after the meeting, Modi said: "Over 40 persons have died in south Gujarat in various rain-related incidents in the last 48 hours. The next of kin of the deceased will be paid relief of Rs 50,000 each by the state government."

"The cash doles paid to the affected families have also been hiked from Rs 250 to Rs 1250. I have issued directions to concerned officials to make arrangements to start paying the cash doles at the earliest. As soon as the rain waters start receding, the local authorities will conduct a survey and pay relief up to Rs 25,000," Modi said.

Modi also criticised the central government for failing to help the state. "We had acquainted the central government of the serious situation caused by the floods in Gujarat on Tuesday afternoon. We had sought assistance from the army, but we are yet to receive any assistance," he said.

"We have demanded that, like in the case of Bihar, the central government announce a relief package for Gujarat at the earliest so that relief & rehabilitation measures can be hastened," he added.