Madikeri: With the arrival of heavy monsoon rains in Kodagu, the district administration has launched helpline numbers to swiftly address rain-related emergencies. Citizens can report issues through 08272-221077 or WhatsApp at 8550001077. Additional taluk-level helplines are active in Madikeri (08272-228396), Virajpet (08274-257328), Somwarpet (08276-282045), Kushalnagar (08276-200198), and Ponnampet (08274-249700).
Nodal secretary NV Prasad announced the measures during a disaster preparedness meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office. Citizens and officials may share photos, audio clips, and updates via WhatsApp groups, helping track and respond to incidents quickly.
Taluk-specific WhatsApp groups are led by tahsildars and include members from panchayats, PWD, RDPR, police, fire services, and home guards. The region has already suffered damage to homes and power infrastructure due to strong winds and rain. Tragically, two lives were lost due to tree falls, and 23 houses were damaged.
Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja confirmed Rs 40 crore has been allocated for disaster management, and 43 flood-prone and 44 landslide-prone zones have been marked. Twenty nodal officers are coordinating the district-wide response.
The ZP CEO discussed urgent repairs to schools, while labour officials emphasized child labour prevention. 24/7 control rooms are now active at all administrative levels, said ADC R Aishwarya. The health department is ready with care centers in every gram panchayat. A 25-member NDRF team from Bengaluru has also arrived in Madikeri to assist.
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