Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh along with Congress President Sonia Gandhi made an aerial survey of the flood-hit Uttarakhand and took stock of the widespread devastation caused by the nature, which left more than 150 dead, thousands missing and over 75,000 tourists stranded. The PM announced a relief package of Rs 1,000 crore for the state. Rs 145 crore would be released immediately.
The PM has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the families of each dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured. People, whose houses were completely damaged, would get Rs 1 lakh each. Dr. Singh expressed fear that the death toll could be much higher when the rescue operations come to an end. According to him, around 10,000 people have been rescued so far and others would be bailed out soon. The PM further said the centre and the state are making a coordinated effort to restore normalcy.
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna and his government have been accused of failing the people in troubled times, as rescue and relief operations were going at a slow pace. The Army, ITBP and other paramilitary forces are working in tandem to help the stranded and bereaved people. The CM talked about the disaster in Kedarnath, Gauri Kund, Rambara and Joshi Math and admitted that Kedarnath Temple will remain closed at east for one year.