Andhra to provide nearly Rs 50 cr aid to Kerala

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said that the State government has extended an assistance of nearly Rs 50 crore through all means, including financial help, to the flood-ravaged Kerala.

Addressing the media at the Secretariat, Chief Minister Naidu said, “I spoke to Kerala Chief Minister yesterday and today, and he said there is need of rice and money. Andhra Pradesh extended assistance of nearly Rs 50 crore through all means including financial help, donations in cash and kind. I have announced Rs 10 crores, sent 12 boats, NDRF (National Disaster Rescue Force) and SDRF (State Disaster Rescue Force) teams. We will send 2000 metric tonnes rice.”

“All MPs, MLAs, and MLCs of our party will donate one-month basic salary. MPs will contribute through MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme). The IAS, IPS, IFS officers association and Andhra secretariat employees association and NGOs associations and several other organisations came forward to donate one-day wage to the flood relief in Kerala,” he added.

Chief Minister Naidy further stated that Central Government should declare the situation in Kerala as a “national calamity”.

“It is the responsibility of everyone to restore normalcy in Kerala,” he said, adding, “80 per cent of Kerala is destroyed, and giving mere 600 crores is not enough. Centre, at the time of Hudhud cyclone, announced Rs 1000 Crores, gave a lesser amount. The Centre should not act in a reserved manner. I demand they should be proactive in helping the worst hit Kerala.”

Naidu also expressed his concern over the overflowing water, which has caused the flood-like situation in Godavari and Krishna rivers.

“East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, and Visakha district were affected with heavy rainfall and floods. 16 relief camps were set up and 6330 people were shifted to relief camps in Eluru, Kovvur, Narasapur, and Kukkunur. Medical camps were set up in flood-affected regions. The rescue operation is completed,”said Andhra Chief Minister.

He also directed the officials to be alert and monitor the flood situation continuously, to prevent loss of life and property.

[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]