Flood-hit Kerala seeks Rs 8,316 cr for relief, rehabilitation
Kochi, Aug 12 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday submitted a memorandum to the visiting Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking Rs 8,316 crore as a special package for dealing with the situation arising from unprecedented floods following heavy monsoon rains.
The central minister had earlier conducted an aerial survey of the flood ravaged Idukki and Ernakulam districts.
"As it requires more time to make a detailed assessment of the damage that has been caused, we require an immediate assistance of Rs 1,220 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund," said Vijayan's memorandum.
The Chief Minister has pointed out that this round of calamity comes close on the heels of the damages that was caused due to the heavy rains last month and for that a sum of Rs 820 crore was already cleared by the central team.
"...taking into the grievous situation now prevailing, there should be a more liberal approach when deciding the rates of compensation," added Vijayan.
The memorandum states that since Thursday till Sunday 37 people died while five others have been reported missing.
Rajnath Singh told the media that the state has witnessed the worst ever situation since 1924 and there has been all round damage caused to crops, homes, properties besides tourism activities and the lives of one lakh people have been affected.
The minister said that considering the grave situation, "I have made an immediate release of Rs 100 crore" and a new central team would be sent soon for the assessment of the damages.
Rajnath Singh also met a delegation of the Congress-led opposition besides leaders from his party also.
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PM Modi speaks to Iranian president, discusses 'serious' situation in West Asia
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.
Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said in a post on X.
The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.
The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month.
In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.
Modi earlier spoke to the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, and expressed concern over the attacks on their countries, and condemned the violation of some nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing in those countries.
Around 1 crore Indians live in the Gulf and West Asia. While about 10,000 Indian citizens live, study and work in Iran, more than 40,000 live in Israel.
