London inferno: May announces Rs 41 crore of payments to residents

June 17, 2017 00:06

British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced a package of measures to help the families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, including 5 million (Rs 41 crore) of cash handouts to be distributed to residents, after the government received more criticism over its botched response to the disaster.

After being widely denounced for failing to meet victims face to face, the prime minister paid two visits to the scene of the deadly blaze on Friday. She met victims at a nearby hospital before returning to Downing Street to chair a two-hour crisis meeting to agree what action should be taken.

May then returned to the area, where families affected by the blaze were gathered in a church to speak to her. Speaking after her visit, May said: The individual stories I heard this morning at Chelsea and Westminster hospital were horrific. I spoke with people who ran from the fire in only the clothes they were wearing.

They have been left with nothing no bank cards, no money, no means of caring for their children or relatives. One woman told me she had escaped in only her top and underwear.

The 5 million fund will be distributed by the local council to help affected families pay for anything they need, including funeral costs. May said it would give victims the immediate support they need to care for themselves and for loved ones and said support measures would be constantly reviewed to see what more was needed.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

'Virat Kohli opens and Rohit Sharma bats at No. 3'

Former all-rounder Ajay Jadeja believes that India skipper Rohit Sharma should push himself to the number three spot and promote Virat Kohli to the opening position during next month's T20 World Cup in the Americas.

Women Of My Billion Review: Honest And Hopeful

Women Of My Billion is stark and disturbing, but at the end of it Srishti Bakshi is still able to say, 'My India is not beyond repair', observes Deepa Gahlot.

9 Super Summer Holiday Options For Families

Looking for fun things to do as family during this sunny season?

Aamir's Dream Comes True

Sridevi's younger daughter Khushi and Aamir Khan's elder son Junaid are coming together for a film, to be directed Aamir's trusted director, the very talented Advait Chandan (Secret Superstar, Laal Singh Chaddha).

Helicopter on way to pick up Shiv Sena leader crashes in Maha

While the pilot suffered injuries, the helicopter's rotor blades got damaged in the incident.