People's Democracy

RECENT FLOODS

AIKS Demands Parliamentary Estimation of Damages

THROUGH a statement issued from New Delhi on October 4, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has expressed shock that, today, parts of coastal and northern Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra and Orissa have been reeling under severe floods. It is reported that more than 150 people have been killed in Karnataka and about 40 in Andhra Pradesh, while many people are missing. The death toll is expected to increase further. Reports from states like Goa, Maharashtra and Orissa too are a cause for concern. The floods have caused immense damage to life and property, and rendered millions of people homeless or displaced. The All India Kisan Sabha has expressed serious concern over the flash floods and the loss of life and property, extending condolences to the bereaved families.

The AIKS has demanded an immediate assessment of the damages by a parliamentary team and, based on its assessment, declaration of a national calamity in the worst hit areas. Relief measures on war footing have to be undertaken and the concerned state governments must be provided with all the required help. In the light of the threat from overflowing reservoirs, immediate steps have to be taken to evacuate the marooned people and animals in such places. In the regions that have already faced a drought, leading to crop losses a few weeks back, now the floods have damaged the prospects of the next crop as well. This is bound to cause still greater misery to the farmers and rural poor. The government�s relief efforts must keep this fact in mind and provide adequate compensation to the affected people in these areas.

The AIKS has calls upon its respective state units to take part in the relief activities and provide voluntary service in the affected areas. (INN)