Flood havoc: PM Modi conducts aerial survey of Punjab, announces Rs 1,500 cr immediate relief for Himachal Pradesh

Modi, who took stock of the flood and landslides situation in Himachal Pradesh, also announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Chandigarh/Shimla: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of the flood-ravaged areas in Punjab, battling its worst deluge since 1988.

Modi, who is on a daylong visit to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to review the flood situation in the two states, will also hold discussions with senior officials and chair a review meeting on the ground situation in Gurdaspur, officials said.

He will also interact with flood-affected persons as well as NDRF, SDRF and Aapda Mitra Team in Gurdaspur.

Modi has also announced an immediate relief of Rs 1,500 crore for rain-affected Himachal Pradesh.

He first conducted an aerial survey of affected areas and then held a meeting in Kangra to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assess the damage.

Modi also met families affected by the calamity. He expressed condolences and deep sorrow to those who lost their relatives.

The central government will further review the assessment based on the memorandum of the state as well as the report of the central teams, he said.

Modi acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that the Centre will make all efforts to address the situation.