Much to the dismay of Pinarayi Vijayan government, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador Ahmed Albanna said that the country had not made any official announcement so far over any specific amount as financial aid to Kerala, reported Indian Express.

“The assessment of relief needed for the flood and aftermath is ongoing. Announcing any specific amount as financial aid, I don’t think it is final since it is still ongoing,” Albanna told the daily.

The UAE’s apparent offer of Rs 700 crore as foreign aid had triggered the slugfest between Centre and the state government.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended Rs 700 crore as financial assistance to rebuild the flood-ravaged state.

All that has happened is that the UAE prime minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has formed a national emergency committee to provide relief to the victims hit by devastating rains and floods in the state, the Ambassador said.

"The committee is coordinating with the federal authorities since we know and understand the financial aid rules in India. And, it is also coordinating with the local authorities for immediate aid in terms of relief and food material," AL Banna told the daily.

First Published:Aug 24, 2018 12:30 PM IST