U.S.: Filmmaker Michael Moore calls for federal help for Flint water crisis

U.S. President Barack Obama on Saturday declared a state of emergency in Michigan and ordered federal aid for state and local response efforts in the county where the city of Flint has been contending with lead-contaminated drinking water.

The announcement came hours after film maker Michael Moore led a demonstration in Flint calling for the White House to intervene.

Moore said he had alerted the White House late on Friday that he would be meeting with residents of Flint.

However, Michigan Governor, Rick Snyder has requested for $31 million (£22 million) from the federal government adding that the need “far exceeds the state’s capability”.

The state has applied for a federal disaster declaration, which the Obama administration will consider.

Flint Water Crisis: Michael Moore Reax (SAT0202) (US CBS) https://t.co/oTfVACu7vG pic.twitter.com/ubFx5GvwCC

— ENEX Newsroom (@enexnewsroom) January 17, 2016

It would be recalled that About 200 activists protested outside Flint City Hall on January 8 against Michigan Governor’s inadequate handling of the city’s water crisis. They have called for his resignation or face criminal charges for his role in the administration that switched the water source for the city to the Flint River.

The city’s water became contaminated after switching suppliers in 2014.

Flint, which is about 60 miles (100 km) northwest of Detroit, returned to using that city’s water in October after tests found elevated levels of lead in the water and in the blood of some children.