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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
23-year-old woman found dead at Delhi home; suicide suspected
New Delhi (PTI): A 23-year-old woman was found dead in her house in Delhi's Prem Nagar area, with police suspecting it to be a case of suicide, an official said on Tuesday.
The deceased, identified as Anjali Singh, was found motionless in her room on Monday by her sister and her neighbour.
Police said her father, Vinod Kumar Singh (51), told them that he and his wife were away at work at the time of the incident, while their son and the other daughter were also not at home at the time of the incident.
ALSO READ: Koppal: Worms found in midday meal at Ningapur Government School
According to the family, the room in which Anjali was found was locked from the inside. The door was later forcibly opened by a neighbour and her sister with the help of a crowbar.
Her body was found lying on the bed inside the room, police said.
Preliminary inquiry revealed that Anjali had allegedly hanged herself using a piece of cloth tied to the ceiling fan.
It is suspected that the noose eventually might have loosened or torn off, resulting in her being found lying on the bed.
Family members informed the police that Anjali was a final-year student of a librarian science course from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). About a week ago, her final-year examination results were declared, and she had failed, following which she had been under depression, they said.
The family has not raised any allegation of foul play, police said, adding that no suicide note or external injury marks were found on the body during the initial inspection.
Inquest proceedings have been initiated in the matter as per the law. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death, and further investigation is underway, police added.
