Fresh rain hits Kodagu, over 90 rescued

Fresh rain posed new challenges to Kodagu even as rescue operations continued in a big way. The most significant was the rescue of 90 people from two places in Mukkodlu and Makkanduru villages on Sunday. They had been stranded since Thursday.

At least four persons were rescued from Jodupala and shifted to Madenadu. The National Disaster Relief Force has started an operation to rescue 30 people stranded in the hills of Jodupala.

The resumption of rain on Saturday night posed new problems and challenges to victims and relief workers alike. With showers subsiding now and then, and some sunshine offering a glimmer of hope on Saturday, all were hoping that it’s finally time to just fix the damage that was already done. However, it rained throughout Saturday night and continued on Sunday. According to the weather forecast, more rains are expected till Wednesday.

Landslides, flooding of farmlands and collapse of buildings were reported from various parts. The army and navy personnel, supported by volunteers, swung into action. The worst-hit was North Kodagu — Madikeri and Somwarpet taluks.

PM, prez call up CM

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who paid a brief visit to the district on Saturday, returned on Sunday. While he was chairing a meeting of officials at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him and took stock of the situation.

President Ram Nath Kovind also called up Kumaraswamy and enquired about the situation in Kodagu.

Kumaraswamy, who arrived by helicopter at Periyapatna, visited flood-ravaged localities and interacted with victims. He also visited the old private bus stand in Madikeri where a commercial complex had collapsed. Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and MPs Shobha Karandlaje and Prathap Simha accompanied Kumaraswamy.

Union Minister Sadananda Gowda, who stayed put in Madikeri, inspected rescue and relief works.

Srihari of Citizens Forum for Flood Relief from Mysuru said their volunteers have been distributing relief materials at the Madikeri Town Hall for the past three days. “Relief materials are arriving from various sources. The requirements have been changing and we are changing our strategy of sourcing materials. As of now, the requirement for food materials and medicines has reduced. So we are sourcing clothes and utensils,” they said.

Landslides continue

Meanwhile, the work on clearing the landslide on Madikeri-Mangaluru NH 275 continued on Sunday even as rain continued to lash Madikeri. Landslides continued at Mekeri on Madikeri-Virajpet road and the stretch remained closed for vehicular movement. The strech was the only road connecting Mekeri to Bhagamandala.

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