PM announces Rs 1,000 crore for U'khand relief

Dehradun, June 19: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday announced a massive Rs 1,000 crore for the relief and rehabilitation in Uttarakhand, the northern state which has been ravaged by incessant rain, flash floods and landslides.

Addressing reporters, Singh said more than 10,000 people have been rescued so far. He, however, feared that the death toll could increase sharply from its current figure of 150.

The prime minister termed the natural disaster as a huge tragedy and said the government had full sympathy for the affected families. He assured that the central and state administration will work together to ensure relief to the distressed people.

The temple town of Kedarnath and the Kedarnath valley were devastated by the flooded Mandikini River. The entire 14-kilometre trekking route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath via Ram Bada was affected with a massive loss to the life and property.

Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel and the Army together rescued 11,000 pilgrims and tourists who were stranded in this region.

OneIndia News