More aid likely for Kerala, PM tells Governor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to clear the air on the quantum of assistance available for flood-ravaged Kerala, telling Governor P. Sathasivam during a meeting that the amount announced so far was only an advance. The State could expect more money once it submits an additional memorandum, Mr. Modi said.

According to a Raj Bhavan press release, Mr. Modi told Mr. Sathasivam, who called on him in New Delhi on Saturday, that the Central government had sanctioned ₹600 crore considering the likely delay in assessing the extent of damage suffered by the State. This was in addition to the ₹562.45 crore sanctioned for the State Disaster Management Fund. The Centre had also made available medicines, water, food and foodgrains to meet urgent needs. All this was done waiving all normal procedures, the Prime Minister pointed out.

The release said Mr. Modi had told the Governor that he had kept a close watch on the emerging situation in Kerala during the calamity. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) had also met on all days from August 16 to 21 to oversee and coordinate the rescue effort.

Senior civil and military officials had attended these meetings, as well as the Kerala Chief Secretary via video conferencing. The massive deployment of Central forces was carried out based on the assessments made at these meetings, the press note quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

Another press note from the Raj Bhavan on Monday said Chief Secretary Tom Jose had the Governor on steps being taken by the State to rehabilitate the flood-affected people. The Chief Secretary also requested the Governor to persuade the Centre to accept the assistance, if any, being offered by foreign nations including the UAE, the press note said.