Barmer flood toll 139

One more body was recovered from the worst-hit Barmer district on Tuesday, taking the death count in flash floods in Rajasthan to 139, as the government sought army help to pump out water from submerged areas.

The body was recovered at Samdari, 30 km from Barmer, as Navy divers continued search for the missing persons and relief work went on in full swing, Relief Secretary R K Meena told reporters in Jaipur.

A team of senior bureaucrats, including the Chief Secretary, would take an aerial view of Barmer and review the relief measures being taken up for the last one week, he said.

A preliminary assessment of loss due to floods was at Rs 1,300 crore, Meena said adding, the government has not yet revised its demand note seeking Central assistance for floods.

Of the 139 deaths, Barmer district alone reported 104 since incessant rains lashed the arid region on August 18.

Ten deaths were recorded in Pali, six in Udaipur, four each in Jalore and Rajsamand, three each in Chittorgarh and Sirohi, two each in Dungarpur and Banswara and one in Jhalawar. Around 45,000 head of cattle also perished in the deluge, Meena said.

After a meeting between the Chief Secretary and Army officials over taking out water from submerged areas, about 25 high-power pumps were requistioned from other districts and from Ahmedabad, he said, adding the Army would soon deploy its men to help discharge the flood water at nearest barren lands.

The government has dropped a plan to construct a channel to drain out 20-25 feet of water collected in Kawas, Bhakarda and Bayut tehsils, the official said adding, a task force has found a natural water seepage point near Kawas railway station and the water could be flushed out on that side too.

Meena said five Indian Administrative Service and eight Rajasthan Administrative Service officers would reach Barmer to take charge of the blocks to supervise long-term and sustainable rehabilitation in western Rajasthan.

Twenty-six teams of veterinary experts and sanitation employees were sent to the area to dispose of the rotting animal carcasses without any delay, he said.

So far, there is no report of any seasonal disease outbreak and all precautions were being taken by the Medical and Health Department's teams, he added.