New Delhi, June 25 (IANS): Following heavy rains and subsequent flooding in Gujarat, the Indian Air Force (IAF) rescued 87 people in the past 24 hours, an official said on Thursday.
"Two Mi-17V5 helicopters flew for over seven hours, evacuating about 87 people and air dropping 120 kg of food packets," IAF spokesperson said in a statement here.
"In today's (Thursday) rescue and relief operations, we focussed on the worst-hit areas of Amreli. Two additional helicopters are on standby at Jamnagar," he said.
"Large-scale inundation of many low-lying areas is being reported now. The worst affected areas are Gavadka and Khari villages of Amreli district," he further added.
Latest reports suggest that 45 people have lost their lives in Saurashtra and South Gujarat alone.
"Out of this, 36 people died in Amreli," he said.