Manmohan visits tsunami-hit Kerala

PM said that children orphaned by the tragedy would be adopted by the Govt.

A deeply moved Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who visited a relief camp for Tsunami victims at nearby Mudukulam in Alappuzha district on Friday morning, said the government would do everything to enable those affected by the tragedy to lead a life of dignity.

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Two inconsolable women, who had lost their near ones, met the Prime Minister and narrated their woes.

"We share your sorrow and suffering. The central government will do whatever it can to help you," he said.

"We won't be able to bring them back. But we will help you to build your homes and get new boats," he said.

After visiting the relief camp set up set up at the Mudukulam higher secondary school, the Prime Minister left for another relief centre at NRPM High school at kayamkulam.

The Prime Minister also visited the taluk hospital at Karunagapally in Kolam district, the worst affected area in the state.

After listening to the grievances of the coastline people, Prime Minister assured that steps would be taken to build sea wall on the vulnerable coast.

He also assured people that the Defence Ministry had been instructed to build a bridge at Azheekkal, linking the narrrow strip of land between sea and backwaters with the mainland.

The Prime Minister also distributed the relief assistance announced by the state government. The state government had announced Rs one lakh to the next of kin of the adult victims and Rs 50,000 for the families that had lost their children in the calamity.