Tsunami: AP announces ex gratia to bereaved families

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy on Sunday announced an ex gratia of Rs one lakh each to the families of those who died in the tsunamis and tremors that devastated the coastal belt of the state.

The huge waves were triggered by strong undersea earthquake in Indonesia's Sumatra Island.

Reddy made the announcement after he visited Singarayakonda in Prakasham, which is the worst hit southern coastal district.

Reddy later left to monitor the rescue and relief operations in Guntur and Krishna districts, which have also been badly hit by tremors and aftershocks and huge waves.

Reddy said he had apprised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi of the situation in the state.

The extent of damage and loss of life could be high in the southern districts of Nellore, Prakasham, Guntur and Krishna, officials at the control room in Hyderabad said.

Aftershocks and slight tremors were likely along the coast, they added.