FLOODS-CHIDAMBARAM TWO LST

Chidambaram made an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas
along with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi Monday.

"We were deeply moved by the scale of the calamity. The
loss of life, property, cattle, and standing crops is
enormous. Lakhs of people have been accommodated in camps.
Rescue and relief operations are in full swing, and it may
take a few more days for the situation to stabilise. There
will be more work to be done in the days and weeks ahead," he
said.

Chidambaram said the Government has rushed aid and help
to the affected States in the form of troops, rescue and
relief forces, diving and swimming teams, boats and
helicopters.

"The Central government stands ready to provide more
help, if needed." he added.

An amount of Rs 139.36 crore has been allocated in the
CRF for Karnataka for 2009-10, comprising Rs 104.52 crore as
Central contribution and Rs 34.84 crore as State contribution.
The first installment of Central share of CRF amounting to Rs
52.26 crore has already been released.

An amount of Rs 418.22 crore has been allocated in the
CRF for Andhra Pradesh for 2009-10, comprising Rs 313.66 crore
as central contribution and Rs 104.56 crore as State
contribution. The first installment of Central share of CRF
amounting to Rs. 156.83 crore has already been released. PTI