By IANS
Bangalore : Karnataka has sought an immediate release of Rs.5 billion from the union government for flood relief in the northern part of the state.
The demand comes on the eve of an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas by Union Minister of State for Home Radhika Selvi on Sunday.
Over 20 people have died and around 25,000 houses damaged in the heavy rain that pounded the northern districts of Raichur, Gadag, Bidar and Dharwad.
Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and his deputy B.S. Yediyurappa – who made an aerial survey of the affected areas Friday – blamed the central government for not responding to their pleas for immediate assistance of Rs.5 billion.
Kumaraswamy told reporters Saturday that the state might seek Rs.50 billion assistance from the central government in view of the extensive damage to property and crops.
Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil who will be in Bangalore Sunday will hold discussions with Kumaraswamy and state officials on the flood havoc after getting an assessment report from his deputy Selvi.