Kerala Floods: Gujarat and Punjab announced financial assistance

Gandhinagar, Aug 19: The Gujarat government on Saturday announced financial assistance of Rs 10 crore to the flood-ravaged Kerala.

Announcing the aid, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said: "The government has decided to help the flood-affected Kerala on humanitarian grounds."

"This assistance will be provided through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund," Rupani added.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held a review meeting for Gujarat after the much-awaited rains took place in the state during the last two days. It had been nearly a month since it had rained last.

The two-day rainy stretch has given some respite not only to the farmers and the drought-prone areas, but also to the state government.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday announced Rs 10 crore worth of immediate relief for flood-hit Kerala.

Out of the total amount, Rs 5 crore is being transferred from the Chief Minister's relief fund, while the remaining money would be given in the form of ready-to-eat food material and other supplies, read a statement from the Chief Minister's Office.

The food material and other supplies will be taken to Kerala with the help of the Defence Ministry.

So far, the Centre has mobilized deployment of 339 motorized boats, 2800 life jackets, 1400 lifebuoys, 27 light towers and 1000 raincoats. Further, 72 motor boats, 5000 life jackets, 2000 lifebuoys, 13 light towers and 1000 raincoats are being deployed.

As many as one lakh food packets have been distributed and arrangements are being made to supply another one lakh food packets. Provision has been made for the supply of milk powder as well.

Besides that, the Indian Navy has deployed 51 boats along with diving teams, 1000 life jackets, and 1300 gumboots. It flew 16 sorties in 48 hours in rescue operations.