Kodagu: Heavy rains have been lashing the District since a week. The District Administration has declared holiday for all the schools and colleges from Thursday July 7 to Saturday July 9.
The rural areas of the District became dark since a week as hundreds of electric poles have fallen. Many rural roads are inundated, and the water bodies are filled to maximum level. The District Administration sounded alert to the residents living beside rivers.
On Saturday July 9 Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhanvar Singh Meena visited Thora Village in Virajpet Taluk where 10 people were killed in landslide in August 2019. He interacted with 20 families staying beside Thora hill and instructed officers to shift the residents to near by care centres. He also assured villagers to all kind of help during emergency.
The revetment constructed to Kindi dam across Payasvini River on Kodagu – Dakshina Kannada border is cracked and may collapse.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. B. C. Satish issued fresh order on Saturday July 9 banned the plying of multi axel lorries, and containers carrying goods of above 16,200 kgs were restricted till October 15 next. The order issued to prevent damage of roads and landslides. However, government vehicles, milk and LPG tankers were exempted from the ban.
In the wake of widespread rain across Kodagu District, fear has started among the local people. There is a concern that the situation that occurred in 2018 will be faced again due to continuous rains.
Owing to heavy rains the inflow to KRS reservoir has increased and it is expected that it may fill up to maximum level on Monday July 11 if the rains continue to put the same way. The River Cauvery is flowing above the danger level.
An NDRF team has been camping in the District to assist swift rescue operation of people during emergency. The District Administration has opened a control room and 24×7 helpline in Madikeri.