Andhra to seek central assistance for flood relief

The Andhra Pradesh government will seek liberal assistance from the central government for cyclone and flood relief, a statement said.

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy will write to the central government, seeking assistance for relief works in districts affected by cyclone 'Phailin' and the last week's heavy rains and floods. He will also seek central help for some parts of the state facing drought.

The state government will also write to the central government to send a team to study the World Bank proposal for assistance for a long-term project for cyclone relief in coastal areas, said a statement from the chief minister's office Tuesday.

At a meeting with the ministers and top officials, the chief minister reviewed relief works in the flood-affected areas.

Earlier, state Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister N. Raguveera Reddy said a comprehensive report on the damages would be sent to the central government in three days.

As per the initial estimates, the natural disaster led to losses to the tune of Rs.3,500 crore.

The heavy rains and floods claimed 53 lives and damaged crops over 11.42 lakh hectares.

The minister directed the district collectors to pay an ex-gratia of Rs.1.5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The kin of the victims above 18 years would be paid another Rs.50,000 under 'Apathbandhu' scheme.

Over 48,500 houses were damaged in 16 districts. The minister said new houses would be sanctioned under the next round of 'Racchabanda' or mass contact programme.

He also promised that the government would suitably compensate the farmers who lost their crops. He said the loans of the affected farmers would also be rescheduled after talks with the bankers.