In Chhattisgarh, 15 persons have lost their lives in last week's devastating floods. This was disclosed in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh to review the flood relief measures in Raipur on Wednesday. The state government has decided to give one lakh rupees each to the family of the deceased as ex-gratia amount. Besides, the government has also asked the officials to provide 50 kg of rice free of cost to the flood affected families whose houses have been completely damaged. According to the preliminary survey report, 4500 houses have been completely damaged. More than 11000 houses have also been partially damaged in the recent floods in the state. About 17000 hectors of crop land have also been affected by the flood. This was for the first time after attaining statehood about a decade ago that Chhattisgarh has suffered flood damage of such a magnitude. While 6 to 7 districts have undergone the watery ordeal in some way or the other, it is the Raygarh district which has borne the maximum brunt of the flood. About 19 thousand flood-victims have been sheltered in Raygarh district alone out of the total 27000 people currently cooling their heels and hearts in about 85 relief camps set up across the state. While the state government is all ears to the moan and groan of those impacted by the flood, yet it would take quite some time for them to smoothen the ruffled ends of their hearth and home.