Surat, July 12 (IANS) Surat district authorities have disbursed more than Rs 4.68 crore in financial assistance to 20,745 people affected by the recent floods, with compensation for cash doles and household losses continuing across the city’s worst-hit areas as survey teams complete damage assessments.

According to the district administration, 3,690 beneficiaries across six affected talukas received more than Rs 83.93 lakh in financial assistance on Sunday alone under the state government’s relief programme.

The payments included immediate cash doles and compensation for damage to household belongings.

The relief exercise is being carried out under the supervision of Surat Collector Tejas Parmar following the floods that affected Surat city and surrounding areas after heavy rainfall.

By 5 p.m, authorities had distributed more than Rs 22.13 lakh in cash doles to 2,459 affected families across six talukas to provide immediate financial relief.

Taluka-wise, 28 beneficiaries in Katargam received Rs 25,200, while 849 beneficiaries in Puna were paid more than Rs 7.64 lakh. In Majura, 184 beneficiaries received Rs 1.65 lakh, and 108 beneficiaries in Abrama were paid Rs 97,200.

Udhna, one of the worst-affected areas, accounted for the largest share of the cash dole distribution, with more than Rs 11.61 lakh paid to 1,290 beneficiaries.

Alongside the cash dole payments, the administration also released compensation for household losses. A total of 1,231 beneficiaries had received a total of Rs 61.80 lakh for damage to household goods and belongings.

Under this component, 14 families in Katargam received Rs 70,000, while 426 families in Puna were paid Rs 21.30 lakh. Majura recorded payments of Rs 4.60 lakh to 92 families, Abrama received Rs 2.70 lakh for 54 families, and 645 families in Udhna were provided Rs 32.50 lakh.

Officials said surveys are continuing in flood-affected localities and further eligible beneficiaries will receive assistance after verification.

Among those assisted was Sandeep Kumar Sharma, a resident of Gitanagar in Limbayat, who lives with his wife and two sons.

Sharma, who suffered injuries to both legs and his waist in an accident about six weeks ago, said his family remained on the upper floor of their house for three days after floodwater entered their home.

Expressing gratitude for the assistance received from the district administration and the State Government, Sharma said: “Receiving food grains and financial assistance for me and my family during this difficult time has brought great relief.”

He said the supply of milk, drinking water and food grains, along with Rs 6,800 as compensation for household losses, had helped his family cope with the immediate aftermath of the floods.

Another beneficiary, Jamnaben of Gitanagar in Limbayat, whose family depends on daily wage labour, said her seven-member household lost food grains, clothing and household belongings after floodwater remained inside their home for three consecutive days.

Following a survey by the district administration after the water receded, her family received ration supplies and Rs 6,800 in cash towards cash doles and household loss compensation.

Jamnaben said: “The government’s assistance has been a great support. Now we will be able to buy essential household items and restart our normal life.”

Separately, MLA Sangeeta Patil visited Gitanagar and distributed ration kits and financial assistance to flood-affected families. The ration kits contained five kilograms each of wheat and rice, along with onions and potatoes.

During her visit, she met affected residents and assured them of continued support. She said, “Under the guidance of the Prime Minister and in accordance with the directions of the Chief Minister, the district administration is working round the clock to assist citizens during this disaster.”

The district administration said compensation payments are being made without delay following rapid surveys so that affected residents can restore their livelihoods and return to normal life as quickly as possible.

–IANS

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