Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Aug 11: "People of the state are devastated due to rain and flooding that was never seen in the history of Karnataka. This natural calamity should be declared as national disaster and the central government has to release Rs 5,000 crore immediately for relief work," urged former chief minister Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah spoke to the press in his residence at Cauvery in the city on Sunday, August 11. He further said, "Nearly 60% of Karnataka is submerged. The heavy rainfall that is occurring in the states of Maharashtra and Kerala is the reason for deluge in our state. It is the first time in history that 6.5 lac Cusecs of water is released from Alamatty and Narayanapura reservoirs. The situation of the state is critical. Central government has to give assistance soon."

"Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has already made a survey of the flood situation in the state. The aerial survey of the flood situation done by home minister Amit Shah and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will not have too much seriousness. Prime minister himself should have done the aerial survey. I hereby urge the prime minister to visit the state and see the devastation himself," said Siddaramaiah.