Centre to release Rs 200 cr for flood victims in AP

Hyderabad, Aug 9 (UNI) Union Home Minister Shivaraj Patil today announced that the Centre has decided to release Rs 200 crore as immediate relief to the Andhra Pradesh government to meet the situation arising out of the recent floods.

Talking to media persons after his survey of the flood-affected areas, along with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Mr Patil said the amount will help to provide relief to flood victims.

On permanent rehabilitation of the victims, he wanted the state government to prepare a detailed report which would be examined by the Planning Commission and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to decide the quantum of funds required.

Appreciating the relief measures taken by the state government, Mr Patil also commended the plan of the Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy to repair and strengthen the embarkments to prevent recurrence of breaches and floods in future.

Stating that this was the right approach, Mr Patil said, in fact, the Centre was asking the NDMA to chalk out such plans to prevent disasters.

''Apart from the state and the centre, the people should come to the rescue of the affected people'', he urged.

Stating that vast damage was caused to life and properties, he offered condolences to those who lost their near and dear ones on behalf of his cabinet colleagues and Ms Gandhi.

Dr Reddy said the state government could not send to the centre a detailed memorandum as vast tracts were still under water and hectic relief work was on. He said as soon as the floods receded and normalcy returned, the government would submit a detailed memorandum to the centre, listing the loss suffered by the state.

UNI ASJ VD HT1848