US envoy visits flood victims in Leh, offers assistance

Leh (Ladakh), Sept.20 (ANI): U.S. Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer visited Leh today to deliver 2.3 million rupees worth of relief supplies to 400 rural families affected by last month's devastating floods.

Residents of some rural areas were recently identified as the worst affected by the flash flood.

In order to provide assistance to them as the chilling winter weather approached, the Ambassador distributed relief supplies, including blankets and winter supplies made available by funds provided by the American people through the auspices of the United States government.

Ambassador Roemer, who spent the morning touring the village of Shey and meeting with residents and affected families, said:"I am personally here today to meet with these families, see firsthand the difficulties and challenges caused by the flash floods. I want to offer reassurance that the government and people of the United States will extend our goodwill and assistance wherever we can as we note the grievous damage to India's communities. As India provided its generosity to us in the U.S. after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, I am here in Leh to make a donation to assist the families most affected by this tragedy."

The ambassador also visited the Leh Police Headquarters and personally thanked the local police officials for their dedication and service to the community and to affected American citizens during the crisis. (ANI)