Rajnath Singh assures help to Jammu and Kashmir

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Saturday took stock of the flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir and assured all help to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Addressing the media after touring the flood-affected parts of the city by road, Rajnath Singh said: "I have met the chief minister and the officers of the local administration and have been briefed about the situation here."

"If there is so much devastation in the city, I wonder what would be the situation like in rural areas," said Singh, who had to cancel an aerial tour because of inclement weather.

"I want to assure the people and the government of Jammu and Kashmir that the central government stands besides you in your hour of crisis and we extend all necessary help to you," he said.

The home minister, accompanied by Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh held a meeting with Abdullah and senior officials.

The toll in the floods due to incessant downpour for the last five days rose to 120 Saturday. The strategic Jammu-Srinagar national highway remained closed for the third consecutive day.