Hubballi: Karnataka on Sunday upped the ante for quick and higher assistance from the Centre to tackle the disastrous flood situation with Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, who accompanied Union Home Minister Amit Shah on an aerial survey of North Karnataka, declaring that though the preliminary estimate of losses is Rs 10,000 cr, he believed it would be Rs 30,000- 40,000 cr.
Mr Yediyurappa said his government has sought Rs 3,000 crore from the Centre immediately to provide relief and rehabilitation.
Mr Shah collected information about the losses and relief and rescue operations at a meeting with officials in Belagavi but did not announce an interim package as expected. The CM revealed that Mr Shah had directed him to visit New Delhi on Aug 16 to finalize the much awaited Cabinet expansion.
Meanwhile Chief Secretary T.M. Vijay Bhaskar informed that 34 persons have died in the floods while crops in 4.15 lakh hectares have been lost.
