Surat, July 11 (IANS) The Gujarat government on Saturday continued distributing financial assistance to families affected by recent flooding in Surat, with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil handing over cash doles and compensation for household losses to beneficiaries in Patel Nagar of Godadara after a rapid damage assessment by the administration.

The assistance was distributed in the presence of Surat district in-charge and Finance Minister Kanu Desai. Both ministers also visited flood-hit localities to assess the situation and interact with affected residents.

Speaking to families during the visit, Paatil said the government stood firmly with citizens during natural disasters and was working to ensure that those who had suffered losses received assistance without delay.

“Heavy rainfall in Surat city and the upstream areas caused flooding that resulted in financial losses for many families. To help people resume their normal lives at the earliest, the administration has carried out a rapid survey and is disbursing assistance without delay,” he said.

Paatil said responding to disasters in Surat had always been a collective effort involving the district administration, the Surat Municipal Corporation and local residents.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed that immediate relief be provided to affected areas, following which Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel personally visited Surat and neighbouring Navsari to review the situation. Survey work was subsequently launched on a war footing to identify losses and facilitate prompt distribution of assistance,” he emphasised.

Patil also acknowledged the contribution of sanitation workers involved in the city’s post-flood clean-up operations.

“Surat city will never forget the debt it owes to its sanitation workers. Along with the district administration and the Surat Municipal Corporation, sanitation workers and aware citizens have made a significant contribution to restoring and cleaning the city,” he said.

Residents who received assistance thanked the administration for its prompt response and the timely financial support provided by the government.

–IANS

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