Monsoon rains wreak havoc across Karnataka, causing floods, crop loss
Bengaluru: Heavy monsoon rains over the past few days have caused widespread flooding, crop destruction and disruption of normal life across several regions of Karnataka. Rivers and reservoirs are overflowing, roads have been cut off, and thousands of acres of farmland are under water, bringing severe distress to farmers and residents.
Large parts of Kalyana Karnataka, the coastal belt and Malnad region have been worst hit. In Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Bidar districts, continuous rainfall on Friday led to inundation of villages and farmland. In Jewargi taluk of Kalaburagi district, a farmer, Khaja Hussaini, suffered a major setback after 5,800 papaya trees on leased land were washed away, causing a loss of nearly ₹35 lakh. Cotton crops ready for harvest were also damaged in nearby villages.
The Bennethora reservoir released heavy outflow, submerging the Kalagi-Malghan bridge and cutting off traffic movement. Several villages, including Hale Hebbal, Kanasuru, Malghan, Tengali and Kalgurthi, were inundated. Waterlogging also forced authorities to declare a holiday at Donur Government High Primary School.
In Bidar, the overflowing Manjra and Karanja rivers entered farmlands and villages. District Minister Eshwar Khandre, who inspected affected areas in Bhalki, Aurad and Kamalnagar taluks, said crops on more than one lakh hectares have been damaged. He instructed officials to complete a crop loss survey within ten days and assured that farmers would be compensated.
Meanwhile, 55,512 cusecs of water was discharged from the Tungabhadra dam, prompting a flood alert in villages along the river. Several monuments in Hampi and Anegundi were inundated for the fifth time this season.
In coastal and Malnad Karnataka, heavy rain led to the release of 75,000 cusecs of water into the Sharavathi river from the Gerusoppa dam in Honnavar taluk of Uttara Kannada district. Residents were shifted to 15 relief centres. Traffic movement was hit in Bhatkal town due to waterlogging, while a section of the Gokarna-Sirsi state highway was damaged. A minor mudslide was also reported in Honnavar. Castle Rock in Uttara Kannada recorded 200 mm of rain within 24 hours on Friday.
Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts reported intermittent heavy showers. In Shivamogga district, the Linganamakki dam neared full capacity, leading to a rejuvenated Jog Falls. The Tunga, Bhadra and Mani reservoirs also approached maximum levels.
Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu too witnessed continuous downpours. Authorities in Kodagu declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Friday as a precautionary measure. Landslides forced the closure of the Thamarassery Ghat road to Wayanad, with vehicles diverted through alternate routes. Rainfall was recorded at 115 mm in Sampaje and 100 mm each in Bhagamandala and Virajpet over the past 24 hours.
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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
