PM Modi announces ex-gratia for Gujarat flood victims

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], July 25 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the next kin of those killed in Gujarat floods, and Rs. 50,000 to those injured. "I announce ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund to the next kin of those killed in the Gujarat floods, and Rs. 50,000 to those injured, apart from the funds provided by the state government," Prime Minister Modi said after undertaking the aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Gujarat today. He said more than Rs. 500 crore would be provided by the Centre to the State Disaster Management to provide relief at this time of emergency. The Prime Minister assured that officers from the Government of India will provide all the assistance in short-term and long-term measures to the people in the region. "Even if we expect more rainfall, relief work will be further intensified. The ministries of Urban and Rural development of the Indian Government will also take the stock of the situation and will provided the necessary assistance to people," he said. He further said that the Center will provide all sort of the relief to people of Gujarat, whether it is agricultural relief, infrastructural relief or others. "The people of Gujarat are blessed with a spirit of resilience. These floods will not impact the developmental journey of Gujarat," he said. Prime Minister Modi also praised Chief Minister Vijay Rupani-led state Government for its swift action during this natural calamity. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi conducted an aerial survey of the flood affected areas in Gujarat. Heavy rains in Gujarat in the past few weeks have wreaked havoc in the state due to flooding in several parts of the state. According to reports, 70 people have died in Gujarat due to rains till now. As many as 25,000 people have been shifted, mostly in Banaskantha, as the district witnessed its worst floods in recent years on Monday. The affected people have been given food packets and provided shelter at a temporary relief camp. Due to excessive rainfall and heavy flooding, water entered many houses and residential areas in Gujarat's Patan. The two dams in Gujarat - Sipu and Dantiwada, both in Banaskantha - have been overflowing due to excess inflow of water and the heavy downpour adding more to it. This overflow forced authorities to open seven gates of the Sipu dam and release 50,000 cusecs of water. The Army and Air Force reached the flood-hit Deesa of Banaskantha district for rescue operations. The Army, IAF, NDRF and local teams have intensified rescue and relief operations as several parts of the two districts were inundated with flood water. (ANI)