PM visits Andhra, announces Rs 1,000 crore for flood relief

Describing the unprecedented floods in Andhra Pradesh as a national calamity in its own way, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced an immediate advance of Rs 1,000 crore towards relief and rehabilitation works in the state.

Describing the unprecedented floods in Andhra Pradesh as a national calamity in its own way, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday announced an immediate advance of Rs 1,000 crore towards relief and rehabilitation works in the state.

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Ahead of his visit to the affected areas in BJP-ruled Karnataka on Saturday, he also ruled out any discrimination by the Centre in extending support in tackling the flood situation.

Addressing a press conference after an aerial survey of the affected areas in Kurnool, Krishna, Mehboobnagar and other districts, he said the Centre stands ready to assist the state in every possible way.

"The Central government stands behind the state government in meeting the grave challenge of the unprecedented tragedy that has befallen the five districts. Money will not a constraint," he said.

Replying to questions about the state government's demand for Central assistance, Singh said there are certain set procedures that would be followed in finalising the aid for the state government.

The state government should first make an assessment and give its estimates which the Centre would assess and send a team after which a collective agreement on the amount for tackling the damage would be made, he said.