70 people die in rain-affected Gujarat, lion toll up to eight

WITH MONSOON BECOMING STRONGER, THE GOVT INTENSIFIES MEASURES TO CHECK SPREAD OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government inspected the situation in rain-hit areas on Sunday, with both humans and animals bearing the brunt following a deep pressure that built up in the Arabian Sea. “Wehave been informed that several people and lions drowned in the Shetrunji river which flows along Amreli and Bhavnagar district. So, we conducted a search operation at Shetrunji dam at Palitana,” Vijay Rupani, state transport and water resources minister, told PTI.

About 70 people have died in Gujarat due to a flood-like situation triggered by heavy rains while at least eight lions too have lost their lives.

Incessant rain over two days also drenched parts of Kerala and brought low-lying areas under water, as shutters of the Neyyar dam were opened up leading to water stagnating in state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

With the monsoon becoming stronger, the government intensified measures to check the spread of contagious diseases, as state health minister VS Sivakumar said medicines worth ` 30 crore had been stocked.

Parts of Uttar Pradesh were hit by rain and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was forced to cancel a trip to his constituency, Varanasi, though the northern region remained relatively dry.

Delhi, which is expected to receive light rainfall on Monday, woke up to a pleasant morning, but sunny skies saw the mercury settling at 39 degrees Celsius.