Uttarakhand floods: PM announces Rs 145 cr relief fund

Mangalore Today/CNN-IBN

Dehradun, June 19: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, along with Congress President Sonia Gandhi, conducted aerial survey of Uttarakhand on Wednesday to asses the damage that has been caused due to torrential rains, which have led to massive landslides and floods in the northern state. PM Manmohan also announced Rs 145 crores as immediate relief for the disaster struck state.

 

He further said Rs 1000 crores will be released for Uttarakhand as disaster relief fund. Rs 2 lakhs will be given to families of those who have died in the tragedy; Rs one lakh each will be given to those whose houses have been completely destroyed, he further said.

Even though rescue operations have been on in the state, the Prime Minister said he saw large-scale devastation while surveying in a helicopter. He said he fears the death toll could be much higher.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister said 500 roads and 175 bridges in the state have been washed away due to the rains. He added that thousands of tourists and pilgrims still remain stranded with Gaurikund - Kedarnath route being washed away.

The Indian Army continued to help with rescue operations in the areas affected by the monsoon fury. About 9,000 people have been rescued from areas around Uttarkashi and 12 special mountain rescue teams have been formed to boost the evacuation, the Army said.