Gurdaspur, Sept. 9 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 1,600 crore in financial assistance for flood-hit Punjab, in addition to Rs 12,000 crore already available to the state. This includes advance release of the second installment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of deceased and Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured was also announced. PM Modi pledged comprehensive support for orphaned children under the PM CARES for Children scheme. He conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas and held a review meeting to assess damage and relief measures.

The Prime Minister emphasized a multi-dimensional recovery approach, including rebuilding homes und...