Australia announces aid for Kashmir flood victims

New Delhi: Australia on Thursday announced an aid of Rs 15 lakh for the flood-affected victims of Jammu and Kashmir.

Australian High Commissioner in India Patrick Suckling presented a cheque of Rs 15 lakh to ActionAid India for the purpose, said a statement.

ActionAid India - a non-government organisation - will use the money to buy and distribute food, medicine, toiletries, woolens, blankets, clothes and other non-food items.

The funds have been provided under the Australian government's Direct Aid Programme.

"Jammu and Kashmir is battling one of the worst floods in 50 years. Our deepest sympathies are with the victims of this terrible natural disaster," said the statement quoting Suckling.