Modi asks people to donate generously for J&K flood victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made an appeal to all Indians to donate generously to the PM's National Relief Fund for the flood-affected people in Jammu and Kashmir.

In his appeal, Modi said, "My Fellow Citizens, You are all aware that unprecedented floods have caused havoc in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. A large number of persons have died or have been temporarily displaced.

"Property and infrastructure worth crores of rupees have been damaged. Our fellow countrymen in Jammu and Kashmir need our help at this critical hour to tide over the calamity and to rebuild their lives."

The Prime Minister said the Centre was extending full cooperation to the state government in the measures for rescue, relief and rehabilitation, besides direct assistance to the affected people.

"I request all fellow countrymen to stand shoulder to shoulder with our distressed brothers and sisters in Jammu and Kashmir and be part of the national effort to support them in this hour of crisis. I appeal to all citizens to donate generously to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF)," Modi added.

Asking the people to be part of the national effort, a PMO statement also gave details of various modes for payment to the Fund including online contributions through the PMO website.

Payment may be made by cheque/draft/cash in the name of "Prime Minister's National Relief Fund" and sent to the PMO in South Block, the statement said, adding as per directions on the subject, the nationalised banks will not charge any commission on preparation of drafts favouring the PMNRF.

Modi's appeal came a day after all officers and staff in his office voluntarily contributed their one day's salary to the Fund for the flood-affected people.

In the worst-ever floods to hit the state in 109 years, over 250 people have lost their lives while more than 1.25 lakh people have been evacuated from the affected areas by the armed forces. Authorities fear that the number of dead could be higher.