PM offers Central assistance to flood-hit Andhra, Kerala

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today offered Central assistance to flood-hit Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to deal with the situation.

New Delhi, June 23 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today offered Central assistance to flood-hit Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to deal with the situation.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy and Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan briefed the Prime Minister on the flood situation in their respective states.

Singh expressed sympathies and help to the affected people, and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.

At least 45 people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced. after torrential rains, caused by a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, lashed Andhra Pradesh.

In Kurnool alone, hundreds of villages were washed away and many people were trapped on rooftops seeking help. Several low-lying areas were submerged.

The Army and the Navy have been instructed to stand-by for the rescue operations.

In Kerala four people were killed in different parts of the state. The Meteorological department has predicted heavy rain to continue for another 36-48 hours.

ANI