Rain batters several parts of Karnataka, flood situation looms large
Bengaluru: 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 have received heavy rains and showers are expected to continue, while there were 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 Rs 50 crore for emergency relief.
A statement released by the CMO on Thursday said, Yediyurappa has directed the district in-charge Ministers to take precautionary measures in the wake of heavy rainfall across the state.
He directed the ministers to remain in their constituencies and tour the damaged areas besides undertaking relief distribution and other necessary measures.
"Rs 50 crore has already been released and if necessary more funds would be released. The ministers can take decisions regarding emergency works," he added.
This even as the Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah accused the state government of having 'failed' to come to the rescue of those affected and raised questions about its very existence.
According to the CMO, Yediyurappa has also directed officials to provide relief to the people affected by floods, which include Rs 10,000 assistance as immediate relief to affected families.
"Also, Rs 5 lakhs to completely damaged houses and if the house is partially damaged, relief must be distributed as per the damage," it said quoting the CM.
Since the hostels, schools and colleges in district head quarters are converted into Covid-19 centres, the CM has instructed officials to use the schools, colleges and other public places in villages as relief centres and provide all necessary facilities.
He has also asked officials to conduct a survey regarding crop loss and sought daily reports on total loss, the statement 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.
Speaking to reporters after holding the disaster management meeting, he said, "it has come to our notice that in 9 districts there is floods, they are- Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Dharwad, Hassan, Kodagu, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada."
Five human missing cases and five animal deaths have been reported, he said, adding that "So far 12 relief camps have been set up where 262 people are taking shelter. 375 houses are partially damaged, while 12 are completely damaged."
Region wise, north interior Karnataka has received 39 per cent excess rains while south interior has received 72 per cent excess, he said adding that we are better prepared than last time with better planning.
Home Minister Basavarj Bommai, who was also present at the meeting said, there are more chances of rains continuing in the Malnad region for next three to four days and wind speed is what is worrying.
Adding to this, Ashoka said, forecast for the next three days is- heavy rains in coastal region, moderate and heavy rains in malnad and north interior Karnataka, and normal rains in south interior Karnataka.
In Kodagu district along with widespread rains, landslides have also occurred.
There have been landslides at Brahmagiri, near Talacauvery, the origin of river Cauvery.
Five people including the priest at Talacauvery, his wife, brother and two assistant priests have gone missing due to massive landslides at Bramhagiri hills triggered by heavy rains in Kodagu district's Bhagamandala.
Bhagamandala has received a record 486.6 mm rainfall during the 24 hour period ending 8.30 am on Thursday, officials said.
This is the third consecutive year that Kodagu is facing floods and landslides.
Several parts of north Karnataka, especially the 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 the district.
With inflow increasing in Tungabhadra river, there is flood like situation in parts of Ballari district also.
There is a similar situation in Uttara Kannada district that is battered by rains and heavy winds.
The swollen Gangavali river has caused flood like situation in parts of the district.
Due to continuous rains in coastal and Malnad region, several rivers including Netravati are swollen and gates of the dams have been opened.
There are also reports of heavy rains and wind causing destruction to crops in parts of Dharwad and Haveri among other districts.
The Karnataka government had recently said it has identified 1,989 villages 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- they are schools, anganwadi centres, community centres among others, 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.
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Public can obtain e-pass online to watch Independence Day celebrations in Bengaluru: BBMP
Bengaluru, Aug 13 (PTI): For the first time, the general public can obtain e-pass online to watch the 79th Independence Day celebrations, said Maheshwara Rao, Chief Commissioner, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Wednesday.
Rao, along with the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru, Seemanth Kumar Singh, was briefing the media here about how Bengaluru is preparing for the state-level ceremony to be held on August 15 at Field Marshal Manik Shah Parade Ground, Cubbon Road, Bengaluru.
“Earlier invitations were distributed by government officials to special invitees and to those involved in the ceremony. Now, people can obtain an e-pass from the Seva Sindhu website (www.sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in),” added the commissioner.
He said a live telecast of the programme is also available on Doordarshan.
According to him, the viewing gallery for the public at the venue has been expanded to allow more people to watch the programme in person.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will hoist the Indian flag, following which he will inspect the parade in an open jeep and receive the guard of honour.
Siddaramaiah will also deliver an Independence Day message.
On ground security checks are already underway, said the Police Commissioner.
“Police have been deployed on guard duty at the ground for the last 15 days. They are also checking all the hotels, lodges and rest houses for any suspicious activities,” said Singh.
CCTV cameras and baggage scanners, Door Frame Metal Detector and Hand-Held Metal Detector have been installed around the ground to closely monitor all the events, he added.
He also appealed to those with green passes (e-passes) to arrive at Gate no. 05 from the Manipal Centre side via Cubbon Road.
He urged people not to carry any unnecessary luggage or items with them. Even essential items like mobile phones, water bottles, helmets, cameras, radios and umbrellas are best left behind to facilitate quick entry into the venue, he added.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru Traffic Police has appealed to the public to use public transport and metro service as much as possible, due to the lack of space for parking vehicles at Manik Shah Parade Ground and nearby areas.
Parking will not be allowed at Central Street (from Anil Kumble Circle to Shivajinagar Bus Stand), Cubbon Road (from CTO Circle to K R Road and Cubbon Road Junction) and MG Road, from Anil Kumble Circle to Trinity Circle), added a Traffic Police advisory issued on Wednesday.
