Reliance worked partially on just the first two days. And earning full points from Surtis are BSNL and Gujarat Gas for continuing their services when everything around them had collapsed.

Kashmira Vakil, who lives in Athwa Lines, said, "Our entire area on Ghoddod road was using dirty and muddy water flowing on the streets. We collected the flowing water in big buckets and used it in toilets. But, drinking water is our most valuable and scarce item. You know how it is in Gujarat, in such times all the neighbours were taking mutual care."

People who were marooned complained that they felt most angry and anguished when relief helicopters flew over their buildings.

The air-drop was erratic and insufficient, frustrating them even more. The distribution system was not activated properly, and Chief Minister Modi earned people's ire when he visited the city because he went away without making the system work.

In Surat, the hot topic of discussion is the Modi government's error of judgement over the volume of water coming into the Ukai dam from August 4 onwards.

As a result, when unimaginable volume of water rushed from Maharashtra's Hathnur dam into Ukai, it became uncontrollable. However, Modi and his ministers are tight-lipped about the sensitive issue.

Image: A blind man also ventured out in the floods to search for his daughters in a blind school at Parle Point, Ghoddod Road. He says, "God has saved us all.".

Also see: When Sonia rode into Surat on a truck

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