NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi has instructed Virbhadra Singh and Vijay Bahuguna, chief ministers of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, to step up relief and rescue efforts as reports continue to pour in about the distress of people affected by floods in the two states.

Party sources said Sonia conveyed to the two CMs her concern about the people displaced by floods and pilgrims and tourists stranded in the two states.

According to AICC General Secretary Ajay Maken, Sonia, who went on an aerial survey of the affected areas along with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, plans to visit flood victims staying in camps.

Maken also said Sonia appreciated the efforts of the armed forces, ITBP and the Border Roads Organization for working against heavy odds to rush succour to people, and has asked party workers to join in the rescue and relief effort.

She has assured the two CMs that that Centre would help them with reconstruction of the flood-ravaged infrastructure in the two states.