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India: Maharashtra and Goa Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2005/0121

OCHA Situation Report No. 1
India (Maharashtra, Goa) - Floods
27 July 2005

This situation report is based on information received from the United Nations Resident Coordinator's office in Delhi.

Situation

Maharashtra

1. Heavy rains since 24 July caused severe flood in Maharashtra state affecting Ratnagri, Raigad, Thane and Mumbai districts. A total of 150 people have been trapped in a landslide in Juigaon village in Raigad district, while 23 persons were reported killed in Raigad, 6 persons killed in Ratnagiri and 4 persons killed in Thane.

Mumbai metropolis has been isolated by disruption of road networks and air links and has experienced gusty winds with a speed of 45kms to 60kms per hour. Power supply has been disconnected and communication networks were hampered in suburban areas.

Goa

2. In the state of Goa, low-lying areas in both South and North Goa districts have been flooded due to heavy rains and high tide conditions in the rivers. A total of 9 deaths have been reported due to a landslide in Dicarpale village in South Goa district. Train traffic along coastal areas was disrupted due to submergence of rail tracks.

National Response

3. The Government called in the Army, Navy and Air Forces to carry out search and rescue operations. Air force helicopters would be deployed to airdrop food packages. Approximately 10, 000 people have been evacuated to safer places.

4. An emergency meeting was held today with the Chief Minister to undertake resource and relief operations in the flood affected areas. A detailed damage assessment survey would be undertaken in the affected districts once the floodwater recedes.

5. The state Relief and Rehabilitation Department has released sufficient funds to the districts administration for relief expenditure. The district administration has made necessary arrangements for supply of food in the temporary shelters.

6. OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Delhi and will revert with further information as required. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int.

MAP - India: Maharashtra and Goa floods - Situation map

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In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:

Mr. Masaaki Nakagawa, direct Tel. +41-22-917-4034

Press contact:

(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53
(N.Y.) Ms. Stephanie Bunker, direct Tel. +1-917-892 1679

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