Kurnool, Oct 6th: Expressing dissatisfaction over the rescue and relief operations, Praja Rajayam Party (PRP) President, Chiranjeevi today urged the Centre to declare as ''national calamity'' the flood fury in the river Krishna, which had claimed 55 lives and displaced over 16.75 lakh people in Andhra Pradesh. Talking to media persons after visiting the flood-hit areas, he demanded that the state government must enhance the compensation for the families of the deceased to Rs five lakhs.

The actor turned politician, expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which rescue and relief operations undertaken by the state government, he alleged the ruling Congress government had left the people to fend for themselves. The actor charged that the state government had failed to take measures in advance, leading to the flooding of, among other places, Kurnool, Mantralayam and Nandyal. It had not taken care of sanitation also after flood waters started receding in the areas. He wanted the people, particularly youth, to take the lead in removing slush and preventing outbreak of water-borne diseases. He said he has asked his party men to donate one month's salary for flood relief works.