Flood threat looms large in several parts of Karnataka

Bengaluru, Aug. 6: Battered by torrential rains, several parts of Karnataka are facing a flood-like situation for the third consecutive year, putting lives and property at risk.

Several districts of the state’s coastal, Malnad and north interior regions are receiving heavy rains and the showers are expected to continue, while there are reports of landslides in hilly areas of Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts.

With flood-like situation in several parts of the 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 `50 crore for emergency relief.

“In wake of heavy rains in several parts of the state, I have instructed the chief secretary to review the situation and issued instructions to DCs (deputy commissioners) to closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures. Also ordered immediate release of `50 crores for emergency relief purposes,” he tweeted last night.

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

He instructed the ministers to remain in their constituencies and tour the damaged areas and also directed them to undertake relief distribution and other necessary measures. “`50 crore has already been released and if necessary more funds would be released. The ministers can take decisions regarding emergency works,” he added.

Revenue minister R. Ashoka said he had spoken to deputy commissioners of all the districts and given them necessary instructions to respond immediately to the situation. He has called for a meeting of the disaster management authority later today.

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