In a statement issued here today, the Prime Minister said:

"In the past few days I have shared the anguish and distress of the people of Gujarat who saw their State move from facing the ravages of drought to those of flash floods. On hearing of the news I immediately called the State Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and offered all possible emergency assistance to provide immediate succour and relief.

I have since received representations for assistance both from the State Government and from members of my own party. I would have liked to visit the distressed areas myself but hope to now visit the State in better circumstances. To provide immediate relief to the flood affected people of the State, the Union Government will provide the following assistance:

1. A sum of Rs.50,000 each to the next of kin of those killed in the floods in the State of Gujarat over the past month, from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

2. In view of the damage caused by flash floods in Gujarat, a sum of Rs.55 crore will be released under the National Calamity Contingency Fund, as an advance.

3. Deputation of a Central team, including representatives from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways next week, to visit the State of Gujarat, as soon as a Memorandum is received from the State Government, indicating the details of damage sustained.

4. As an interim measure, an advance of Rs.5 crore would be provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, as an advance of final assessment of expenditure to restore national highways in the State of Gujarat to their original condition."