GANDHI NAGAR, June 25: At least 29 people of three families were swept away by swirling waters of Sabarmati river taking the total death toll in monsoon to 87 as heavy rains continued to lash Gujarat today marooning several low-lying areas of the state.

Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela said 24 people of two families from Bhatt village and five members of a family from Dholakua village near here were drowned in Sabarmati last night. Only one body has been fished out so far, he added.

A man was drowned in flood waters at a culvert at Gadi village in Sabarkatha district today as heavy downpours during the last three days flooded parts of south, central, north and Saurashtra-Kutch. All low-lying localities of Ahmedabad city and the state capital Gandhinagar remained under water.

The army and fire brigade rushed to the areas with medical teams. Six boats and seven trucks were also pressed late last night. Meanwhile, the people in low lying areas on the banks of Sabarmati river were alerted to move to the safer places as the river was flowing above the danger level.

The weather bureau has forecast heavy rains in south and north Gujarat areas for the next three days.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.