What measures are being taken as heavy rains and floods devastate north Karnataka?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rains have caused significant flooding in northern Karnataka.
- The Chief Minister will conduct an aerial survey to assess the situation.
- Thousands have been displaced, and relief centers are operational.
- Infrastructure damage is widespread, affecting homes and agriculture.
- Local leaders are demanding urgent government action and financial relief.
Bengaluru, Sep 29 (NationPress) Intense rainfall and subsequent flooding have severely impacted daily life in the northern districts of Karnataka. Areas including Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, and Bidar are particularly affected.
Flooding in these regions has been primarily attributed to the Bhima River.
In light of this dire situation, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah plans to arrive in Kalaburagi for an aerial survey on Tuesday, having pinpointed 11 locations for this assessment.
The relentless rains have caused the Bhima and Bennetore rivers to overflow, resulting in the evacuation of thousands to safety. Relief centers are now operational, offering shelter, meals, and basic necessities.
Access to clean drinking water and essential services remains a struggle for many residents. The Bhima River is overflowing near Bhorgar, and other rivers are also rising, leading to the inundation of homes and temples. Several villages are now submerged.
In Kalaburagi, the village of Mandarawad in Jevargi taluk is completely under water. Residents sought refuge in a school, which also became affected by flooding. Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have rescued villagers, including a two-month-old infant, relocating them to safer areas.
Approximately 100 homes are underwater in Mandarawad, where residents are facing a lack of drinking water.
In Yadgir, the Green City area is submerged, affecting homes, schools, the BJP district office, and the Social Welfare Department office, preventing residents from leaving.
The situation in Raichur is equally alarming, with the Gurjapur Bridge and barrage entirely submerged, disrupting connectivity to over 20 villages and damaging agricultural fields, particularly paddy crops.
Minister Priyank Kharge visited the flood-impacted villages of Kundanuru and Chamanuru in the Kalaburagi district to gauge the situation, interact with residents, and ensure that those in relief centers receive necessary support.
Additionally, Kalaburagi MP Radhakrishna Dodmani provided 1,000 food kits and 100 life jackets to aid the district administration.
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka criticized the government's response to the floods in North Karnataka, highlighting the severe impacts in Kalaburagi and Bidar. He lamented that no ministers have acted and accused the government of neglecting flood relief while focusing on a caste survey.
He urged the government to announce a relief package of Rs 3,000 crore immediately, contrasting current aid with the provisions made during the previous BJP administration.