The Hindu Business Line : Speed up relief, rehab measures for flood victims, urges AP CM

THE Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on Tuesday directed the official machinery to expedite relief and rehabilitation measures, according priority to contain epidemics, to those affected due to the recent flash floods.

Dr Reddy, who returned from a three-nation tour, wanted the administration to submit a detailed report on the action taken in this regard as well as likely measures to meet similar situations in future, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office.

The Municipal Administration was directed to provide alternative accommodation to all those who are encroaching the major nalas in the twin cities, especially the Hussainsagar nala, by constructing alternative houses in six months time.

Reviewing the situation along with senior Cabinet colleagues today, Dr Reddy said a joint enumeration of the encroachers would be taken up and later followed by an action plan to address the problem.

The Chief Minister also directed the Hyderabad Metro Water Works and Sewerage Board to rectify all the storm water drains in the city in six months' time.

Eighteen medical camps have been set up aimed at controlling epidemics.

Fifteen deaths were reported due to heavy rains and floods. In case of adults, Rs 50,000 would be paid under the Apathbandhu scheme besides Rs 5,000 under National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS). Action has been initiated to release Rs 50,000 from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Disaster Management, Mr Shashank Goel, said that 277 medium irrigation tanks had breached due to heavy rains and action to repair the damages was underway. Crop loss of approximately 5,860 acres in Adilabad district and 360 acres in Karimnagar district were reported and detailed reports are being obtained from the District Collectors concerned.

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