Shah directed officials to be high alert for floods; provide help to states'

Home Minister Amit Shah Saturday directed the NDRF and all the agencies dealing with flood rescue and relief operations to remain on high alert so that they are able to handle any situation that arises.

Heavy rains and floods have affected Assam, Bihar and Meghalaya. While six people lost their lives in Assam, five died in Meghalaya and two in Bihar.

"The home minister has directed the NDRF (National Disaster Relief Force) and all officials concerned to remain on high alert to deal with any situation arising out of the floods," Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai told reporters here.

The directive was issued at a high-level meeting, chaired by Shah and attended by top officials.

Rai said the home minister also directed the central government officials to be in regular touch with the states which have been affected by the floods so far.

"The home minister said all efforts should be made to save lives and properties in the flood-hit areas," Rai said.

The meeting reviewed the rains in the country while officials briefed him about the situation in Assam, Bihar and Meghalaya.

"NDRF teams have already been deployed in the affected states and, if required, more team will be sent. We are ready to provide whatever help the states will need. 24-hour control rooms have also been set up by agencies concerned," he said.

Later in a tweet, Shah said he had a meeting with MoS Nityanand Rai, senior MHA officials and departments concerned on the developing flood situation in various parts of the country.

"Directed all related officials to ensure proper relief, rescue and rehabilitation measures," he tweeted.