PM offers assistance to Andhra, Kerala, Asom; condoles deaths

New Delhi, June 23 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today offered Central assistance to Andhra Pradesh and Kerala in an effort to help the two Southern States tide over their difficulties arising out of heavy rains and flash floods.

He also spoke to Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi regarding the bomb blast in Guwahati this morning and enquired about the flood situation in the State.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhra Reddy and Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanadan today briefed the Prime Minister on phone about the grim situation arising out of rains and floods in their States.

Dr Manmohan singh coneyed his condolences to the families of the dead and offered his sympathies and help to the affected people.

The incessant rains in the South have claimed more then 45 lives and destroyed homes and crop.

Mr Reddy has already offered Rs.200,000 to the kin of each of those killed in Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh has been the worst hit by heavy showers and flash floods, with 32 people already dead and thousands having lost their homes and crops.

As many as 13 people lost their lives in Kerala due to the rains and landslides during the past few days.

At least seven people died and 16 were injured in a suspected ULFA bomb blast that rocked the precincts of the North East's oldest mosque in Machkowa market of Guwahati. The blasts was viewed as an attempt to sabotage three international events hosted by the city today.

Meanwhile the mighty Brahmaputra river in the State was flowing above the danger level in at least 12 places and has displaced some 20,000 people.

"The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the families of the dead and also condemned the attack. The Central government has offered to extend all help," a statement from the PMO said here.

UNI