Timothy Roemer visits Leh, delivers Rs2.3 million worth relief material

US ambassador to India Timothy Roemer today visited Leh to deliver Rs2.3 million worth of relief supplies to 400 rural families affected by last month's devastating floods.

"Residents of some rural areas were recently identified as the worst affected by the flash flood and to provide assistance to them as the chilling winter weather approached, the ambassador distributed relief supplies, including blankets and winter supplies," an embassy release said in New Delhi.

These supplies were made available by funds provided by the American people through the auspices of the US government.

"I am personally here today to meet with these families, see first hand the difficulties and challenges caused by the flash floods. I want to offer reassurance that the government and people of the US will extend our goodwill and assistance wherever we can as we note the grievous damage to India's communities.

"As India provided its generosity to us in the US after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, I am here in Leh to make a donation to assist the families most affected by this tragedy," said Roemer, who spent the morning touring the village of Sheyand where he met residents and affected families.

The ambassador also visited the Leh police headquarters and thanked the local police officials for their dedication and service to the community and to affected American citizens during the crisis.