Rain batters several parts of Karnataka, flood situation looms large

 Battered by torrential rains, several parts of Karnataka are facing a flood-like situation for third consecutive year, putting lives and property at risk. Several districts of state's coastal, Malnad and rth interior regions are receiving heavy rains and showers are expected to continue, while re are reports of landslides in hilly areas of Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts.

With flood-like situation in several parts of state, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who is currently undergoing treatment for COVID-19 infection at a private hospital here, has ordered immediate release of Rs 50 crore for emergency relief.

"In wake of heavy rains in several parts of state, I have instructed Chief Secretary to review situation and issued instructions to DCs (Deputy Commissioners) to closely monitor situation & take necessary measures. Also ordered immediate release of Rs 50 crores for emergency relief purposes," he tweeted last night.

A statement released by CMO on Thursday said, Yediyurappa has directed district in-charge Ministers to take precautionary measures in wake of heavy rainfall across state.

He instructed ministers to remain in ir constituencies and tour damd areas and also directed m to undertake relief distribution and or necessary measures.

"Rs 50 crore has already been released and if necessary more funds would be released. ministers can take decisions regarding emergency works," he added.

Revenue Minister R Ashoka said he had spoken to Deputy Commissioners of all districts and given m necessary instructions to respond immediately to situation.

He has called for a meeting of disaster manment authority later today.

Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said he will be holding a meeting with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) regarding relief and rescue measures to be taken.

Parts of districts in coastal and Malnad regions are currently under red alert and rains are likely to continue re.

Officials said, "... depending on situation we will downgrade alerts, it (rains) is likely to reduce during next couple of days...wind speed is also high some parts, it may also reduce."

In Kodagu district along with widespread rains, landslides have also occurred.

re have been landslides at Brahmagiri, near Talacauvery, origin of river Cauvery.

"At least four to five people- including Talacauvery temple priest and family are currently missing...

rescue teams have reached spot," officials said, adding that sensing danger priest had been asked to vacate house earlier but he did t.

This is third consecutive year that Kodagu is facing floods and landslides.

Several parts of rth Karnataka, especially border district of Belagavi are also facing flood situation as inflow has increased in Krishna river and its tributaries due to heavy rains in neighboring Maharashtra and also in district.

With inflow increasing in Tungabhadra river, re is flood like situation in parts of Ballari district also.

re is a similar situation in Uttara Kannada district that is battered by rains and heavy winds.

swollen Gangavali river has caused flood like situation in parts of district.

Due to continuous rains in coastal and Malnad region several rivers including Netravati are swollen and gates of dams have been opened.

re are also reports of heavy rains and wind causing destruction to crops in parts of Dharwad and Haveri among or districts.

Karnataka government had recently said it has identified 1,989 vills and over 51 lakh people in 19 districts as flood prone.

As a temporary arrangement for those who will be affected by floods, as many as 1,747 relief centres have been identified- y are schools, anganwadi centres, community centres among ors, Minister Ashoka had said recently.

In August 2019, Karnataka witnessed one of its worst natural calamities when heavy floods affected 103 taluks in 22 districts, killing more than 80 people and displacing nearly seven lakh people.