Ensure speedy relief for flood-affected: CM

Nagpur, Aug 9 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today urged the people's representatives to ensure speedy relief and rehabilitation for the flood-hit people in the State.

Mr Deshmukh was speaking at a meeting of officials and people's representatives in Umarkhed here after undertaking an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in the district.

The Chief Minister said an amount of Rs 10 crore was being released immediately for the relief and rehabilitation work in Yavatmal district. He directed the administration to provide relief to the flood-affected people as per the set norms. The relief measures entail payment of Rs 5,000 to each family, ten kilograms of rice or jowar and ten litres of kerosene.

Mr Deshmukh also directed the Public Works Department to carry out repairs of the damaged roads immediately.

The floods have caused damage to the tune of Rs 55 crore to standing crops and property in Yavatmal district. Crop on about one lakh hectares have been damaged in the deluge. The floods have claimed eight lives in the district so far.

Mr Deshmukh was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, Minister for School Education Vasant Purke and District Guardian Minister Manohar Naik.

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