The Centre has assured all possible help to Jammu and Kashmir for relief and rehabilitation of the people, affected by the recent cloud burst. Making a statement in the Lok Sabha today, the Home Minister, Mr. P. Chidambaram said the Centre has also requested the state government to assess the damage and submit a detailed memorandum for relief operations as well as long term rehabilitation. Quoting reports from the state government, the Home Minister said 179 persons including six foreign nationals have lost their lives and approximately 400 persons have been injured and treated in various and Army and other medical facilities. Mr. Chidambaram said the situation is being reviewed continuously in coordination with other ministries and agencies for convergence of the rescue and relief efforts. Giving details about the measures taken by the Centre, Mr Chidambaram said more than six thousand personnel of Army, Air Force, Border Roads Organisation, NDRF and ITBP have been deployed along with rescue equipment to assist the civil administration in the relief operations. He said 50 civil aircraft were deployed between 8th and 15th of this month and more than 7,400 passengers have been evacuated from Leh to Delhi and Jammu. He said Air Force has carried out 202 sorties and airlifted about 270 tonnes relief material and equipments and 789 passengers and 15 bodies. Mr Chidambaram said the Prime Minister's Office has announced ex-gratia amount of one lakh rupees each to the next of kin of the deceased.The Home Minister welcomed suggestions from Members of Parliament in continuing to provide comprehensive and optimal response to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their hour of need.