(Photo credit: Wikipedia)GUWAHATI: Prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday announced an ad hoc central assistance of Rs 500 cr to help the state fight of the worst floods in almost a decade and assured more aid after the central team submits its report. Accompanied by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and chief minister Tarun Gogoi , Singh made an aerial survey of the devastation caused by floods in the worst-affected districts of Jorhat, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur, particularly Majuli Island, and Kaziranga National Park. "I am making a commitment to provide a central ad hoc support of Rs 500 crore to the state government," he said at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport here after the survey. "I have witnessed extensive damage and the people are facing one of the worst floods in recent times. I have learnt with sadness that 77 people have died and five are missing. There has been loss of lives and damage inflicted on infrastructure," Singh said.
He said, "For the next two days, our focus will be on rescuing people marooned and extending relief to those forced to leave their homes. Once we complete search and rescue operations, our focus will shift to restoration of damaged infrastructure," the Prime Minister said. He added that the central team has already arrived here to make a detailed assessment of damage to crops, infrastructure and national highways and also for restoration of public buildings like schools, water supply systems and hospitals. Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP from the state, pledged all possible help to the people of the flood-hit state. "People are facing considerable damage during these tough times and the Centre will do everything possible to wipe away their misery." He assured that the apart from financial help to repair the damages, the Centre would also provide additional food if the state government requires. He said that to ensure there was no shortage of food, the government has distributed over 10,000 quintals of essential food items. "And, if necessary, the Centre will send more. We will ensure that adequate quantities of foodgrains and other essential commodities are available in the state and that agricultural seeds of the desired variety are also available," he added. "Once the immediate relief work has taken place, we will pay more attention to medium and long-term problems such as flood control, erosion and other related issues. The Centre would also extend assistance for reconstruction," he said.
Expressing satisfaction with the rescue and relief operations, he said that 16 NDRF teams and 71 boats were operating in the state to rescue marooned people, while the Army has rescued more than 4,000 affected people. The Army has deployed 752 personnel for rescue and relief operations and 400 persons have been transported to safety.
Edited By Cen Fox Post Team
