Damage control begins as Valsad limps back to normalcy

SURAT: Water started receding on Wednesday in towns of Valsad district that were inundated in rain waters for last two days. However, many parts of the district remained without electricity even as the district administration grappled to clear sludge and other garbage that flowed in along with the gushing waters.
The Valsad administration has also begun assessment of bridges, public buildings, private buildings and properties for any possible damage caused due to rain waters.Health workers have also been pressed into service to avoid spread of diseases.
Officials said that their top priority was to resume electricity supply in affected areas of Dharmapur, Vapi, Pardi and Valsad talukas. Also, making potable water available in these areas through tankers was being done at war-footing. In all seven deaths were reported in one day of flood fury.
"Teams of doctors and sanitation workers have been called from Surat, while pumps have arrived from Valsad. Teams are in field providing medical help to the affected people," said Remya Mohan, Valsad district collector.
According to an estimate, more than 1,500 electricity poles and transformers were damaged in a single day of heavy downpour on Tuesday. Teams from Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL) have started repair work to restore the supply in major areas of Dharmpur, Pardi and Valsad.
In Valsad town and nearby areas, drinking water was an issue as no one was able to get potable water. District administration has started supply of drinking water through tankers to town and nearby villages.
"Major hotels and some villages nearby were having drinking water issues and we have supplied them water through tankers," said Mohan. "We expect damage assessment report to be ready in a day. State government has promised help on priority basis," she added.