Monday, August 21 2006 12:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jaipur: At least 23 persons died in rain-related incidents in Rajasthan in the past two days where ten overflowing rivers triggered floods in eight districts although scattered rains today slightly improved the situation in the areas where army's help was sought to evacuate people.

Official sources said death toll in rain and flood related incidents in various parts of the state reached 23 as in the past 48 hours as 9 persons were killed in Pali district, 3 in Chittorgarh, 7 in Barmner, and one each in Jhalawar, Jalore and Rajsamand while 2 persons were killed in Sirohi district.

Meanwhile, the 8 districts which were alerted yesterday and army and Rajasthan Armed Constabulary were called, showed signs of improvement with scattered rains in the day, they said.

The discharge of water in the main dams of Udaipur district started decreasing in the evening as in Gandhisagar dam the discharge which was 17 lakh cusics Saturday (Aug 19,2006)was 5 lakh cusics, and in Kota Bairaj it was 4.5 Lakh cusics compared to 8 lakh cusics.

Chief Secretary Anil Vaish reviewed the situation in flood affected parts of the state.

Army columns were posted in Sirohi, Udaipur, Pali and other affected districts of the state and leaving no stones untured to take the flood affected perons into the safer places.

The state government had yesterday announced a flood relief package of Rs 10 lakh each to Jalore and Sirohi while for Dungarpur, Jhalawar, Banswara, Kota and Udaipur government announced a relief package of Rs 20 lakh.