[Marxistindia] Floods in South India

[news from the cpi(m)]

                                                         October 4, 2009



Press Statement


The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued
the following statement:


The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses serious concern over the flash
floods and loss of life and property in Karnataka, parts of Goa, Andhra
Pradesh, Maharashtra and Orissa. Northern and Coastal Karnataka have
been the worst hit with the death toll being over 150. 37 deaths have
been reported from Andhra Pradesh so far. There have been loss of lives
in the other states too and the toll is expected to go up. Lakhs of
people have been displaced. The CPI(M) expresses solidarity with the
suffering people of these states and condoles the loss of lives. 


In Karnataka 15 districts have been affected and five districts have
been affected in Andhra Pradesh. In view of the extraordinary situation
arising out of the flash floods, the CPI(M) demands an immediate
assessment of damages by a Parliamentary team and declaring a National
calamity in the worst hit areas. Relief measures on a war-footing have
to be undertaken and the 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. 


The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) calls upon all its members to cooperate
in relief efforts, involve with the relief activities and provide
voluntary service in the affected areas. 



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