Islamabad, August 23: In a show of solidarity with Kerala flood victims, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan today has extended prayers and best wishes to the people devastated in the calamity. Khan also put forward the proposal of humanitarian assistance in relief operations in the state. In the message, the Pakistani Prime Minister said, “On behalf of the people of Pakistan, we send our prayers and best wishes to those who have been devastated by the floods in Kerala, India. We stand ready to provide any humanitarian assistance that may be needed.”

Kerala has been reeling under massive floods since August 8. A total of 373 people have lost their lives in the floods caused by heavy and incessant rains. Indian Defence Forces along with other government also launched the Operation Madad to evacuate people from flood-hit areas to safer locations. The centre has declared it as ‘the calamity of severe nature’. The central government issued a financial aid of Rs 500 crore to the state.

Support has also been poured in from various other states of the country. Kochi airport has also been closed till August 29. The United Arab Emirates had also offered a financial aid of Rs 700 crore for Kerala flood victims. However, the centre rejected its offer. Yesterday, opposition parties slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for properly managing the opening of dams in the state which led to floods. Congress leader Ramesh Chenithala termed it a man-made calamity.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2018 09:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).