YSR thanks PM for army help to flood-hit AP

Hyderabad, Aug 8 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekara Reddy today thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for pressing the army into service for relief work to over three lakh people affected by floods in river Godavari.

Talking to mediapersons before leaving for an aerial survey of some flood-hit areas, including Adilabad, where the Penganga was in spate in the wake of continuing rains in Maharashtra, Dr Reddy said with the Centre providing naval boats and Air Force helicopters, the State was able to cope with the situation.

''I thank the Prime Minister for the timely help'', he stressed.

Despite some lapses here and there, the administration had done its best in rescuing people in distress, said Dr Reddy, who later toured North Telangana districts including Nizamabad and held a review meeting.

With the water level in Godavari and Krishna continuing to flow above the danger mark following incessant rains in upper catchment areas in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Dr Reddy yesterday sought from the Prime Minister assistance of army personnel, naval divers and Air Force helicopters to augment the state's efforts.

UNI SM AA MQA RS1848