NEW DELHI: The central government has announced additional financial aid of Rs 2500 crore following the bill issued by Indian Air Force for conducting rescue operations. The financial aid announced by the central government is an additional amount to the already declared Rs 600 crore. The total amount will thus become Rs 3100 crore. Kerala had demanded 4800 crore. However, as per the reports submitted by World Bank and agencies under United Nations, Kerala requires Rs 31,000 crore for rebuilding the state.

The direction was given by Union Home secretary. Kerala will receive the financial aid following the approval of a higher committee presided by Union Home minister. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had sent a letter to Union Minister Rajnath Singh seeking immediate help for the state.

Indian Air Force headquarters in New Delhi had demanded Rs 33.79 core from Kerala for rescue operations carried out by it during the times of flood.

“The exact amount to be given is Rs 33,79,77,250. This amount together with the cost of Ration materials allotted by the Centre will sum up to Rs 290.74 crore, which should be paid to the Centre. Even if we spend the whole of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), it would be impossible to pay off this amount. We have received only Rs 987.73 crore towards the fund. Out of this, 586.04 crore has been spent. We can clear all financial liabilities only if we get Rs 706 cr more,” the chief minister said in the assembly on Thursday.