Surat, July 10 (IANS) Surat district authorities have disbursed Rs 1.5 crore in flood relief to 2,500 affected families within two days as surveys continue across waterlogged areas, while insurance companies have been directed to expedite compensation claims for traders who suffered losses during the recent heavy rains.

District Collector Tejas Parmar said survey teams had been deployed immediately after flooding caused damage in several parts of Surat city.

According to the administration, 50 survey teams are currently working across six talukas of the city to assess losses and identify eligible beneficiaries.

“Due to flooding in Surat city, waterlogging in several areas caused damage. Immediate survey work was undertaken, and the process of disbursing cash doles and household assistance was started,” Parmar said.

He added that assistance worth Rs 1.5 crore had already been paid to 2,500 families through cash doles and household assistance.

Surveys are still underway in all affected areas, and families that have yet to be covered will receive assistance after verification is complete.

The administration has also begun efforts to address financial losses suffered by businesses after commercial establishments, shops and industrial sheds were inundated.

Parmar said relief measures for traders are under consideration, and a meeting was held with representatives of insurance companies to ensure that claims are processed without unnecessary delay.

“Insurance companies have been instructed to accept and settle all eligible claims as quickly as possible while ensuring claimants face the least possible inconvenience during the process,” officials said.

To improve coordination between insurers, industries and the trading community, the district administration has appointed a nodal officer to facilitate claim settlements.

Parmar also announced that an online grievance portal for traders and agencies will be launched shortly. Complaints submitted through the portal will be forwarded directly to the concerned insurance companies for resolution.

The Collector also warned businesses against exploiting the post-flood situation through overcharging.

“The administration had received complaints that some repair shops, including automobile and machinery repair workshops, as well as grain shops, were charging prices above normal levels following the floods,” he said.

Issuing a warning, Parmar said any shopkeeper or individual found charging excessive rates during the disaster period would face strict legal action.

“This is a time to help one another, not to take advantage of people’s hardships by charging higher prices,” he said.

–IANS

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