All schools and colleges in coastal Karnataka have been closed after the Indian Meteorological Department predicted extremely heavy rains in the state’s coastal districts. One person died in a rain-related incident in Mangaluru.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has directed officials to conduct a survey of the flood-affected areas to assess whether the residents of the affected areas need to be relocated temporarily or permanently, his office said in a statement.
“60 villages were permanently relocated after massive floods in 2009. But people returned to their old residences after the flood waters receded. We found high places along river banks and low-lying areas. We are considering the option of setting up a well-equipped rehabilitation center in the state so that people affected by floods can be shifted there.”
Bommai said that the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts have been directed to start relief and rescue operations immediately. He said those living in low-lying areas would be shifted to safer places.
Heavy rains have thrown normal life out of gear in Karnataka’s coastal areas and Malnad region. In the rain-affected areas, houses, buildings, electric poles and properties have been damaged, rivers are also in spate due to the rain, agricultural areas and low-lying areas have been flooded.
A Kerala laborer died after he got trapped in the mud after a landslide at Panjikallu village, about 30 km from Mangaluru district.
“I have discussed with the Deputy Commissioners of the rain-affected districts. Already rescue work is on and I have been directed to carry out relief work. Due to heavy and incessant rains, houses and properties have been damaged in the coastal districts and Kodagu, And the rain has continued,” Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Wednesday.
He has directed the deployment of SDRF and NDRF to start the rescue work.