Odisha floods: PM Narendra Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia

NEW DELHIL: Expressing grief over the loss of lives in the recent floods in Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs two lakh for the next of kin of the deceased.

He also sanctioned a compensation of Rs 50,000 for those who were seriously injured in the floods.

"The amount sanctioned from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund will be disbursed directly to the district collectors," a PMO statement here said.

The PM also spoke to Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from the state, and sought information on the situation arising out of the floods.

A week after floods caused by the Mahanadi river system, 71,178 persons remained marooned in 62 villages, even as the toll mounted to 47.