Floods hit North Karnataka; CM Yediyurappa to undertake aerial survey
Bengaluru, Aug 4: Hundreds of villages in North Karnataka were inundated following release of over 2 lakh cusecs of water from Koyna dam in neighbouring Maharashtra on Sunday and torrential rainfall in the region prompting the administration to rope in the Army for relief works.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa reviewed the situation in the region and would undertake an aerial survey of the affected areas on Monday, officials said.
So far, no loss of life has been reported, official sources said adding the administration was on alert.
At least, five districts Belagavi, Bagalkot, Raichur, Vijayapuram and Yadgir have been badly affected by the swollen Krishna river, Malaprabha, Markandeya river and a few other rivulets.
"Belagavi, Bagalkot and Raichur are badly hit. Certain parts of Vijayapura and Yadgir too are affected.
While Army's assistance has been taken in Belagavi, National Disaster Relief Force, State Disaster Relief Force and local police are toiling hard in all five-flood affected areas," Director of Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), G S Srinivasa Reddy told PTI.
Yediyurappa, on Sunday, took stock of the situation through video-conference with officials, Reddy said adding he (Yediyurappa) instructed them to set up relief centres with adequate basic requirements for the flood-hit people.
Five major dams in Maharashtra were filled to the brim, following which excess water was released.
In the last three days, surplus water was being released from Koyna dam built across Koyna river, which is a tributary of Krishna river that courses through five districts of Karnataka before entering neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
Officials in the Karnataka Water Resource department said at least 2.4 lakh cusecs of water was released from Koyna dam on Sunday and there was a likelihood of more quantum being let out from the dam.
The KSNDMC Director also said water level in at least three barrages and Almatti dam across Krishna river reached its full level, prompting authorities to discharge excess water.
"The inflow of water in Almatti is about 2.24 lakh cusec while 2.5 lakh cusecs of water is being released," he said.
People living in flood prone areas along Krishna river have been shifted to safer places.
Roads have been inundated, while in some places railway tracks were damaged due to soil erosion in Belagavi district.
Besides, standing crops were completely submerged in the floods.
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MEA reports more than 200 Indians enlisted in Russian military since 2022; 26 deaths confirmed
More than 200 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 are confirmed dead, MEA—The Ministry of External Affairs have informed the Upper house of the Parliament: Rajya Sabha.
In a written response, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, has stated that at least 202 Indians are reported to have joined the Russian army. Among these recruited personnels, 26 have lost their lives; while, seven individuals have been reported missing by Russian authorities. He added that the remains of two deceased Indian nationals were cremated in Russia.
Singh noted that the sustained diplomatic efforts by the Indian government have led to the early discharge of 119 individuals. He further added that the discussions are going smoothly with the Russians to secure the release of the remaining personnel, with efforts underway to facilitate the early discharge of 50 more Indian nationals.
According to the minister, the Union government is in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and prompt return of Indian citizens serving in the Russian army. The issue, he said, is being addressed at multiple levels, including interactions between senior leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.
The said disclosure was made in response to queries raised by Saket Gokhale, the MP of Trinamool Congress, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the MP of INC, regarding the number of Indians allegedly recruited into the military service in Russia; Along with the details of deaths and missing persons reported since 2022.
