President visits flood-affected Leh

JAMMU - President Pratibha Patil Wednesday arrived in the flood-ravaged Leh town of Jammu and Kashmir to review and assess the rescue and relief operations there.

Patil, who was received at the Leh airport by Governor N.N. Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was briefed by the Indian Army and Air Force officers on the operations under way, an official source said.

She lauded the efforts of the security forces and told the locals that the whole nation was with them. The president is expected to visit the relief camps run by the Indian Army and the NGOs, the official source said.

Patil’s visit comes at a time when people of Leh town have started reconstructing their homes with help from the central and state governments.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had announced a grant of Rs.125 crore during his visit to Leh Aug 17. He had also announced Rs.100,000 ex-gratia relief for the next of kin of those who died in the calamity and Rs.50,000 each to those injured.

On Aug 6, flash floods triggered by a cloud burst devastated large parts of Ladakh’s biggest town Leh. At least 183 people, including 35 armymen, were killed and 200 people are still missing.