New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday sanctioned Rs.2 lakh to the next of kin of each of those killed in the earthquake centred in Sikkim that wrought large-scale damage in large parts of northern and eastern India as well as Nepal.


"The prime minister is grieved to learn about the loss of life due to the earthquake which struck the state of Sikkim and its neighbouring states," said a statement issued here by the Prime Minister's Office.

It said the prime minister had sanctioned an ex-gratia payment of Rs.2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each of those who had died and Rs.1 lakh each to those who were seriously injured.

At least 35 people were killed and hundreds injured in India in the 6.8 magnitude earthquake just after 6 p.m. Sunday. It was followed by two aftershocks.