Grieved over loss of lives in flood hit Assam, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today announced an ex-gratia assistance of one lakh rupees to the next of kin of each of the deceased in the recent floods in the state. The assistance has been announced from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Dr. Singh has also directed to extend all possible help to the state government in the relief operations. The Prime Minister has assured of all help to the Assam government to deal with the flood situation in the state. He also directed the Defence Ministry to provide army assistance in rescue and relief operations in Assam.A PMO statement issued earlier said, Dr. Singh spoke on the telephone with Assam state Health Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma to enquire about the condition in the state. The Prime miniser also also spoke to Defence Minister A K Antony urging to provide full army assistance for the rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. A total of 21 districts of Assam have been affected due to floods in the rivers of Brahamputra, Puthumari, Jiabharali, Burhidihing, Dhansiri, Beki and Manas. Rescue and relief operations are continuing in the flood affected areas.The Centre has deployed 15 teams of National Disaster Response Force- NDRF for carrying out rescue and relief operations. An Indian Air Force helicopter has also been deployed for air dropping of the food packets and resue operations. AIR correspondent reports the Centre is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant touch with the State Government for extending the required support and assistance to the flood affected.