UK to give Rs16 cr for flood relief

The United Kingdom on Thursday announced an aid of two million pounds (approx Rs 16 crore) for flood-hit Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

The aid would be provided in the form of blankets and medicines and by restoring safe water supplies and sanitation facilities, a British High Commission release said.

It quoted UK Minister for International Development Gareth Thomas as saying, 'The floods in India have caused widespread devastation. Millions of people have been affected and tens of thousands have lost their homes.

'The UK's contribution of two million pounds will go some way towards meeting the immediate needs but we will continue to work with international organisations to support the ongoing relief effort.'

The DFID, the UK government's department for international relief, will also help rebuild mother and child health centres, development of water supply and sanitary facilities and fund health services, the release said.