Phet effect: Flood-like situation in Jaisalmer

JAIPUR: Flood-like situation prevails in the droughtprone Jaislamer district of Rajasthan as torrential rains hit the region badly. The entire western Rajasthan is badly affected by the spell of heavy rains due to Phet and upper cyclonic circulation. Jaisalmer received over 12 cm rains followed by Jodhpur and Barmer which received 3 cm and 2 cm respectively.

According to Jaisalmer SDM Ramesh Chandra Agarwal, a number of villages, including Lathi near Pokhran, have been submerged in water. Around 35 houses washed away in the rains as water level rose to 10 feet in Lathi village.

“Army has been pressed into for the rescue operations and 300 villagers have been sent to safe places. We have also alerted Air Force in case of exigency,” he said.

However, district public relation officer Govind Pareek said that the situation is under control and water is receding now.

“Affected people have been shifted to government buildings and we are estimating the damage due to rains for disbursing compensations ,” he said.

The sudden rains reminded of Barmer floods in 2006 when 150 people had died.

Jodhpur and Jaisalmer highway are also blocked due to the rains.

Train services too have been hit as railway tracks have been flooded in several areas.