Kodagu Floods: 6 Dead, 11,000 Houses Washed Away; Army, Navy, NDRF Deployed, Says Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy
In Somwarpet and Virajpet, nearly 3,200 people have raised an alarm for rescue as the water level has been rising since early in the day.
Bengaluru, Aug 18: The flood situation is turning grave in Karnataka's Kodagu district, where at least 6 people have been confirmed death and thousands left stranded. The relief and rescue operation is underway in full-swing as personnel of the Army, Navy and the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed.
"Over 1000 security personnel including NDRF, Navy, Army, Fire Dept, Home Guards etc are involved in rescue operations. Air Force is lifting stranded people and dropping relief material. 200 NCC cadets also working. We are working non stop," said Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy.
On the damages and casualties incurred so far, Kumaraswamy claimed that the government has received the confirmation of 6 deaths and destruction of 11,000 houses in the inundated regions.
The maximum brunt of floods has been felt in the hinterland areas of Kottamudi, Galibeedu, Karnangeri, Katakeri, Mukkodlu.
In Somwarpet and Virajpet, nearly 3,200 people have raised an alarm for rescue as the water level has been rising since early in the day. The Indian Air Force, which has been roped in for the rescue operation, is using M17 helicopters for the airlift operation.
Kumaraswamy said the government is taking immediate measures towards minimising the casualties and easing the distress caused to the people.
"Banks have been told to stock up ATMs. Officials directed to give a list of roads which are damaged, and start repair work. Many officials from other areas have been shifted to Kodagu," the CM told reporters.
The floods in Kodagu and other parts of coastal Karnataka comes amid the unprecedented crisis in neighbouring Kerala, where 324 people have died so far due to the massive floods. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in the state on Friday, has announced Rs 500 crore immediate relief fund.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2018 02:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).