Flood toll touches 225

A record 405 mm rainfall has cut off the Bayud taluk in Sabarkantha district from the rest of the world, forcing army helicopters and boats into service for rescue operations.

Official sources said that 5,000-odd people have been affected in Bayad.

In Kheda district, too, the torrential rains played havoc with normal life. The situation became grave after the authorities were forced to release water from the flooded dams of Vatrak, Shedhi and Mazam rivers.

Unconfirmed report say that four people have been killed -- two each in Kheda and Sabarkantha -- in rain-related accidents, taking the death toll to 225 this year.

Meanwhile, six hundred people in Bulsar district were evacuated on Thursday after heavy rains flooded Purna and Damanganga rivers.

Official reports said that Bulsar and Dang districts in South Gujarat recorded 14 inches of rain. All gates of Madhuvan dam had to be opened to ease the water pressure.

Additional Relief Commissioner S K Nanda said the tribal-dominated Dange district recorded 354 mm rain. Normal life was disrupted.

Food packets are being distributed in the areas.

UNI