Advani to PM: Solve Bihar flood problem quickly

NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader LK Advani met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Wednesday to seek a solution to the problem of recurrent floods in Bihar, where around 25 lakh people have been rendered homeless in the worst ever floods in the Kosi region.

Advani urged Dr. Singh to find both long and short term solutions to the problem of recurrent floods in Bihar.

Advani, who made an aerial survey of flood-ravaged regions of Bihar along with State Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday, said, "Since the recurrent floods in Bihar caused by rivers originating in Nepal have international dimensions, I would meet the Prime Minister on Wednesday to seek both long and short term solutions to the problem in coordination with the government in the Himalayan country,"

"In today's situation, everybody should come together to help rather than indulging in mud sledging," Advani added.

The state's main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) had earlier lashed out at the state administration, accusing it of laxity in providing relief to the flood victims.

The flooding, the worst in 50 years, was caused after the Kosi River breached a dam in Nepal. This unleashed huge waves of water that smashed mud embankments downstream in Bihar state.

The waters of Kosi gushed into the state inundating vast areas and affecting around two million people.