UP govt announces Rs 20 crore aid to Jammu and Kashmir flood victims

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh government has announced an assistance of Rs 20 crore to flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed solidarity with flood-affected people in the hour of crisis.

"My heart goes out for people of Jammu and Kashmir. The people of UP are with them in this hour of crisis. We are contributing Rs 20 crores for relief work," UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav tweeted.

"I am trying to reach you J&K CM Omar Abdullah in this hour of need and support. Unable to reach you. My full support is with you," he added.

Mammoth multi-agency rescue efforts were underway in Jammu and Kashmir to rescue lakhs of people trapped in the flood- ravaged areas, with IAF choppers and transport aircraft undertaking non-stop sorties overnight to carry men and relief material to submerged parts.

An estimated four lakh people are believed to be trapped in floods which have claimed nearly 200 lives in the state.