Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday announced an ad-hoc package of 500 crore rupees to flood affected Assam. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati after an aerial survey of flood hit areas in Jorhat, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts, the Prime Minister said that a Central team has already reached Assam to assess the damage caused by floods and based on their reports the Central government will decide on the exact amount for the financial package.

The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of 1 lakh rupees to the next-of-kin of the deceased. He stressed the need to intensify the rescue works for the next two days.

Dr. Singh said, the government will also extend a system for reconstruction of damaged assets and flood control works through plan scheme.

He assured that adequate quantities of food grains and other essential commodities will be made available in the state.

The Prime Minister said once the immediate relief work has taken place the government will pay adequate attention through medium and long term problems of flood control, control of erosion and related problems.

Dr. Singh urged the Railway ministry to restore the railway lines at Dina Hasao district as soon as possible to open the supply lines to Barak Valley and neighbouring states. Expressing satisfaction on the rescue and relief operation, Dr.Singh said that Centre and its various agencies have been working closely with the state government to provide all helps to the affected people.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was accompanied by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, during aerial survey .