77 dead as rains wreak havoc, flood situation worsens in Karnataka

Mangalore Today News Network

Kalaburagi, Oct 16, 2020: Heavy rainfall and deep depression in the seas has led to severe flood situation in Karnataka as it worsened on Thursday, leaving several parts of the state’s northern region inundated due to the release of water from major dams.

 

The worst affected regions are Yadgir, Raichur, Ballari, Bidar, Vijayapura, Bagalkote, Belagavi, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Gadag, Koppal, Haveri and Dharwad.

As per the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre, the floodgates of all major dams in the state have been opened, resulting in gushing water flooding villages and forming islands.

The dams that filled to the brim due to incessant rainfall are Linganamakki, Supa, Varahi, Harangi, Hemavathi, Krishna Raja Sagar, Kabini, Bhadra, Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Almatti and Narayanapura.

The overflowing Bhima river wreaked havoc in Kalaburagi and Yadgir, while the water level in Krishna river at Devasugur in Raichur district appears to be rising at an alarming rate.

“The water levels in River Bhima near Deongaon bridge in Kalaburagi district’s Afzalpur Taluk is rising rapidly and is expected to touch the highest flood level by tonight,” the Central Water Commission (CWC) said.

The CWC also said that though the water level of Kagna river in Kalaburagi’s Malkhed was receding, it still continues to flow at the danger level.

According to the Karnataka Disaster Management Authority, so far 515 animals have lost their lives, while 4,782 people have had to be rehabilitated to 36 relief camps.

The district administration in Bidar and Vijayapura has opened camps for flood-hit people.

A total of 24 fully-equipped National Disaster Response Force teams have been widely deployed across Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra in wake of the torrential rains and flooding in the states.


courtesy: Hindustan Times