Lalu Prasad asks Modi for help in dealing with floods

Patna, Aug 24: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide assistance to Bihar in dealing with the "worst" floods in decades.

"Flood situation in Bihar is worst than the 1975 floods; PM Modi should give attention to it," Lalu Prasad told reporters here, hours after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met the prime minister in Delhi and informed him about the grim situation in the state.

Modi also spoke with Nitish Kumar on Monday over telephone and assured him that the Centre would provide all possible help to the state in tackling the disaster.

Lalu Prasad, whose RJD makes up Bihar's ruling 'grand alliance' along with JD-U and Congress, said he has requested the state government to make available nutritious and hygienic food in all flood relief camps it has set up.

He said he has also requested the state government to arrange adequate cattle fodder as thousands of people displaced by the floods are accompanied by their cows, buffaloes, goats.

Over one million people have been affected by floods and the situation is grim in 12 districts, Lalu Prasad said.

The Ganga and other major rivers have submerged vast swathes of the state, forcing thousands from their homes.

The disaster has so far claimed 19 lives, including 11 in Bhojpur district alone.

Over a dozen teams of the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force have been deployed in the flood-hit districts.

Officials said standing crops worth crores of rupees have been damaged and road communication at several places has been disrupted.

IANS