Submerged Surat desperate for relief

AHMEDABAD: Thirty-six lakh residents of Surat have been marooned since Tuesday as almost 95 per cent of the city has been drowned in 10-15 feet of water.

The imminent release of 8,00,000 cusecs of water from the Ukai dam — necessary to prevent its destruction — triggered anticipation of worse, forcing people to stay indoors.

The first two storeys of most buildings in the city have been submerged, driving families living on the ground and first floors to seek refuge from their more fortunate neighbours. Power lines were severed as were road and rail links to other cities. All trains to Ahmedabad and Mumbai were cancelled.

Moreover, it is feared that the high tide triggered by the full moon today might send water surging from the River Tapi into Surat.

The army evacuated 5,000 of the seven lakh people stranded in the low-lying areas of Rander and Adajan near the river. 

Others remain cut off from safety by 15 feet of water. Hundreds are believed to have drowned in the strong currents of the river, but authorities are unwilling to discuss the toll for the time being.

The army’s assistance was sought only on Tuesday morning. By Wednesday afternoon, 16 columns were requisitioned, including engineering and medical corps. Six MI-16 helicopters have been deployed for relief and rescue operations.

Major General SN Handa, who conducted an aerial survey of the city on Wednesday, said 118 people had been airlifted from the danger zones. “The army has deployed 32 motorboats and 15 high mobility vehicles for relief operations,” he said.

Maj Gen Handa said the release of water from Ukai is being monitored closely. “It cannot be confirmed when the waters will recede,” he said. “It depends on the rainfall in catchment areas in Maharashtra.” Following heavy rain in the catchment areas over the weekend, waters have been gathering in the dam, making continual release since Tuesday morning unavoidable.

While army officers refused to comment on the state government’s reaction to the crisis, a source said the state and civic authorities desperately need to streamline their efforts. The source said the authorities must to identify the areas of requirements and seek help from the army and the air force, which have strong bases in Gujarat, rather than waiting for help from the navy.

“Surat’s civic administration and the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority have failed in effectively identifying the magnitude of the situation, assessing the problems, and seeking help,” the source said. “Confusion and lack of coordination prevails in the state administration. Surat requires more help, but the authorities are not seeking it promptly enough.”