Surat floods: Army called in

The flood situation worsened in parts of south Gujarat and about 30,000 people were evacuated from Surat Monday after the river Tapti crossed the danger mark flooding several low-lying areas prompting authorities to seek the army's help, official sources said.

Water in the river Tapti has been rising steadily since Sunday after the gates of the Ukai dam built upstream on the river were thrown open due to heavy water inflow from the catchment areas. "Five columns of the army have been called for assistance to provide succour to the people affected by the rains in the flood hit areas," Minister for Water Resources Narottam Patel, who is camping in Surat to supervise relief and rescue operations said.

He said if needed more columns will be called in. Patel said about 30,000 people from Surat city have been evacuated as water entered several low-lying areas adjoining the Tapti river.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has called a high-level emergency meeting with his cabinet colleagues about the flood situation in Surat. According to a report from Vadodara, primary and secondary schools have been closed in the city and district following rise of water level at Ajwa lake located on the outskirts of the city which is currently just one feet below the danger level.