NEW DELHi: India has refused to accept overseas donations for flood relief in Kerala, Thailand's Ambassador to India Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi has said.
"Informally informed with regret that the Government of India is not accepting overseas donations for Kerala flood relief. Our hearts are with you, the people of Bharat," Chutintorn tweeted on Tuesday.
Official sources said that the government is unlikely to accept any foreign financial assistance for flood relief operations in Kerala.
They said the government has taken a considered decision to rely solely on domestic efforts to tide over the situation.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has offered USD 100 million (around Rs 700 crore) as financial assistance for flood relief operation in Kerala.
The Maldives and Qatar also reportedly offered donations for the flood-ravaged state.
Around three million Indians live and work in the UAE out of which 80 per cent are from Kerala.
It is understood that the UN is also offering some assistance for Kerala.
However, sources said India is unlikely to accept the assistance.
The floods in Kerala, worst in a century, have claimed lives of 231 people besides rendering over 14 lakh people homeless.