Bengaluru, Aug 11 (UNI) Death toll has touched 34 in flood ravaged Districts of Karnataka, even as the situation continued to be grim despite there was little let off in rain in the North Karnataka, Malnad, Coastal Districts of the State.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived at Sambra Airport in Belagavi on Sunday, undertook about 2 hour 10 minutes aerial survey of flood affected places before returning to the national Capital Delhi.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who, among others accompanied Amit Shah during aerial survey, told newsmen at Belagavi Airport, that 34 people have lost their lives in flood related incidents and according to preliminary estimates the loss was to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore. The Centre was asked to release at least Rs 3000 crore immediately to take up relief works. "I am confident that the Centre will come to the rescue of the affected in the State," he added.
He said that according to preliminary reports standing crops in more than 4.15 lakh hectares were damaged, besides hundreds of houses have either collapsed or partially damaged. The property loss included both to the Government as well as private properties. In all 136 important roads including National Highway, State Highway were damaged. Landslides were reported in many places including Charmadi Ghat, Shiradi Ghats and vehicle movement as well as Train service were badly hampared.
Yediyurappa said that the Union Home Minister during his two hour 10 minutes aerial survey in Belagavi, Chikodi, Doodganga, Vedaganga, Krishna, Markandya etc., had clear picture about the devastation that had taken place since last 15 days due to release of water from Reservoirs of Maharashtra and also due to rain under the influence of South West Monsoon. "However, the rains have reduced to little extent in Karwar, Shivamogga and Kodagu Districts, and release of flood water to river Krishna has also come down considerably and within next three days the situation is expected to return to normalcy. But the after effect, including continuation of landslides, and reduction in the flood level needs to be closely watched and round the clock rescue and rehabilitation of people affected has to be continued," he added.
He said that "the gravity of the situation was explained during the visit of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman yesterday and we are confident of getting Central funds at the earliest immediately after the two leaders reach the National Capital."
Besides continuation of rescue and rehabilitation of stranded people in the affected places, various organisations including political parties and NGOs have started collecting relief materials and it will be despatched to the affected people.
Replying to a question, Yediyurappa said that he will be leaving to Delhi on August 15 to get concent of senior BJP leaders for Cabinet expansion and to the list of those who should be included in the Cabinet.
In Hyderabad-Karnataka Region, the flood situation in Yadgir, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari and Koppal districts, remained grim as heavy discharge was continued to Tungabhadra and Bhima from Almatti Reservoir.
According to Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Ltd (KBJNL) sources, the Narayanpur Basava Sagar reservoir inflow on Sunday was at the rate of 6.2 lakh Cusecs and the outflow was of 6.18 lakh Cusecs. The water level stands at 489.3 mts as against the maximum level of 492.25 mts.
As many as 14 villages and about 120 family have been shifted to safer places near Ganagapur village. Saradagi , Avarada and Hagaragundi villages are also marooned.
The flood situation in the Cauvery basin has remained grim as combined discharge from Cauvery and Kabini reservoirs was 2,40,000 Cusecs and people living on the banks have been asked to be on high alert as the discharge may be increased depending on the situation.
The Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir, built across the river Cauvery, has been receiving inflow of 1,87,721 cusces while the discharge from the dam was 1,19,997 Cusecs with level reading 118,75 ft against the maximum level of 124.80 ft.
Meanwhile, a 30 year-old woman died due to wall collapse in Hunsur taking the rain-related deaths in Mysuru district to two. The victim was identified as K Mubeena Taj of Bidarahalli who was in her house when the wall collapsed as it had weakened due to incessant rains in the region since the last one week.
In Kodagu red alert continued for two more days by the district authorities following IMD predicting heavy rains in the district.
There are 26 flood-prone areas in Madikeri taluk, 16 in Virajpet taluk, three in Somwarpet, five in Kushalnagar Town Panchayat, and eight flood-prone areas in Virajpet Town Panchayat jurisdiction.
A total of 250 people and 20 cattle have been rescued by NDRF, Indian Army, General Thimmayya National Academy Of Adventure, police personnel, River Rafting Association and others. A total of 2,866 victims from 817 families have been shifted to 34 relief centres. The landslide, uprooting of trees have disrupted the movement of vehicles in 17 places.
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