Availability of funds will not be a constraint for flood-hit states, says Chidambaram

New Delhi, Oct 6 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has assured flood-hit Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh that the availability of funds will not be a constraint and that they should focus on providing relief to affected people.

"The Central Government offers its deepest sympathies to the affected people and assures that it will offer full assistance to provide them relief and rehabilitation," Chidambaram said in his statement after he visited the flood-affected states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on Monday.

He said the Government has rushed aid and help to the affected States in the form of troops, rescue and relief forces, diving and swimming teams, boats and helicopters.

"The Central Government stands ready to provide more help, if needed," he added.he Minister further said that rescue and relief operations are in full swing, and it may take a few more days for the situation to stabilize.

"We were deeply moved by the scale of the calamity. The loss of life, property, cattle, and standing crops is enormous. Lakhs of people have been accommodated in camps. There will be more work to be done in the days and weeks ahead," he said.

He said the State Governments may utilise the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) immediately."Once 75 per cent of the CRF is exhausted, the State Government may draw on the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF). Advances from NCCF will be provided," he added.

"As soon as the State Government concerned is ready to receive the Central team, a team will be sent to the State to assess the damage according to well established norms," the Minister said. (ANI)