The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
Declare National Calamity and Provide Effective Relief on a War-Footing
Join Relief Efforts in States Affected by Floods and Landslides
CPI(M) expresses deep concern at the extraordinary situation of floods and landslides in North India. Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi are reeling under heavy rain, floods and landslides. CPI(M) condoles the loss of lives in this unprecedented calamity.
Punjab has been the worst affected and all 23 districts of the state are declared flood-hit. According to reports, about 3 lakh acres of standing crops in 1655 villages of the State are either partially or entirely submerged and more than 4 lakh people are reported to be directly affected. Heavy rains along with surplus water released from several dams have led to overflowing of Beas, Sutlej, Ravi and Ghaggar and the resulting deluge has caused extensive damages to the standing crops in the Punjab and Haryana.
In Haryana, about 2.5 lakh acres spread across 1,402 villages in 12 districts have seen complete destruction of standing crops.
In J&K too, thousands of acres of paddy have been washed away in the torrential rain and floods. More than 170 people are reported to have died. Parts of Rajasthan and Delhi also witnessed widespread damage.
Himachal Pradesh has suffered huge losses including the death of more than 320 people and many are reported missing. Huge devastation of public infrastructure, land and houses, livestock, fruit trees, standing crops vehicles and cowsheds. Apple orchards in Shimla and Kullu suffered ruin, with officials estimating damage to almost 25,000 acres of horticultural land. Uttarakhand also is reeling under flash floods and landslides in which many are reported missing.
The Central Government led by the BJP has failed in dealing with this huge disaster. CPI(M) demands that it be declared a National Calamity. Relief and rehabilitation measures must be undertaken on a war-footing.
CPI(M) teams are active in all affected states providing relief to the affected. CPI(M) calls upon all its cadres to join in the relief effort in respective States. The Party has given a call to collect funds to provide relief to the affected people.