Indian Army helps rescue those stranded in floods in Jammu and Kashmir
The prime ministers of India and Pakistan have offered to help each other in efforts to alleviate flood havoc in Kashmir. Both sides have been ravaged by floods that have killed over 200 people as rivers burst their banks after heavy rain.
In a letter to his Pakistani counterpart on Sunday, PM Modi wrote, "It is a matter of great distress that the retreating monsoon rains have played havoc in many parts of our two countries. In this hour of need, I offer any assistance that you may need in the relief efforts that will be undertaken by the government of Pakistan. Our resources are at your disposal." (
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Acknowledging PM Modi's letter, Nawaz Sharif said, "Such solidarity in the face of crisis is indeed valuable." The Pakistani Prime Minister reciprocated with an offer to "lend a helping hand in any way possible." (
Read Full Text of Pakistan Prime Minister's Letter)
Both prime ministers flew over their respective areas on Sunday to review the extent to the flooding.
When he took office in May, PM Modi invited Nawaz Sharif to Delhi in an unprecedented gesture that raised hopes of progress to resolve the dispute over Kashmir.
In an apparent bid to thaw ties again, Pakistan last week sent 15 boxes of mangoes to PM Modi. "They were delivered to the prime minister's office on Wednesday last week," said a spokesman for the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. "He must have eaten some of them by now."