As the rains refused to let up in Rajasthan, the death toll rose to 139, while the state battles flash floods. The worst hit has been Barmer district, where the toll stood recently at 104. Rescue operations, with the help of the Armed Forces, have been on but hampered by the waterlogging and incessant rain.
Ironically, in a district that considered rain a blessing, water drainage has become Barmer's biggest worry. The peculiar geology of the region comprising thick layer of gypsum is posing a major problem. Beneath this gypsum is a layer of Bantonite which is a mineral and limestone which hinders percolation of water.
The consequent waterlogging and no means to drain out the water has become a major headache for the villagers and district administration.
The state government has already spent Rs 536 crore and has demanded a special package of Rs 3200.92 crore from the prime minister for relief in flood-affected districts.
State officials said over 12,000 people from three villages of Malwa, Kawas and Bhadraka have to be relocated to safe places in the district. Nearly 45,000 cattle have been perished in the deluge.
Image: Flood victims being evacuated in Barmer district of Barmer, Rajasthan.
Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
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