The Prime Minister has discussed the flood situation in the States of Assam and Bihar with the respective Chief Ministers. The Principal Secretary to PM took meetings of senior officials of Government of India in New Delhi and an assistance and relief package has been put together for both States.

Assam

The Ministry of Water Resources will conduct an aerial survey of the flood situation. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development, Rural Drinking Water Supply, Finance and Environment and Forest will be in contact with State Government to provide all assistance.

Seven Helicopters have been made available to the Assam Government for relief and rescue operations. The Railways are ready to move 58 goods rakes to Assam to carry various commodities including food grains.

The Army has made available 27 boats to Assam Government. Each boat can carry 15 persons. The Central Government has released Rs.46 crore as Central share from the Calamity Relief Fund. In addition, Rs.55 crore will be released from National Calamity Contingency Fund. The Planning Commission will sanction Rs.81 crore as Central share of the River Embankment Scheme.

The CMD, BSNL has been instructed to contact Chief Secretary, Assam to help restore telephone lines to all district headquarters and bloc headquarters wherever effected.

Bihar

The Central Government has released Rs.30 crore as Central share of Calamity Relief Fund. The Army Authorities have been advised to provide three additional large helicopters and three small helicopters for rescue operations to the State Government. There is adequate food grains stock with FCI in the State and the State Government has been asked to draw the required rice and wheat from FCI.

The Governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat have been requested to help Bihar Government in purchasing polythene materials to provide shelter for the flood-affected. Tents are being procured from Central Paramilitary Forces. Five good rakes of fodder and five lakh units of vaccine for cattle are being made available to the State Government. Three sets of Satellite Phones are being provided to connect Sitamarhi, Sheohar and State Headquarters. Ministry of Health is providing halogen tablets as requested by the State Government. The Ministry of Petroleum will be in touch with the State Government regarding release of kerosene oil.

The Prime Minister has assured all assistance to provide relief and rehabilitations to the flood victims in the two States.