Mysuru: Several villages were flooded and landslides were reported at multiple locations in Kodagu on Friday as the district received 119.4 mm rain in just 24 hours since Thursday, virtually turning it into an island with its communication and power supply cut off. While the rain has claimed six lives so far, 873 people have been rescued from the flooded villages and lodged in 17 relief camps. Hundreds are still stranded in several places, including Makkandur near Madikeri, and are waiting for help.
A massive rescue operation has been launched by NDRF, SDRF, fire force and civil defence teams, the Army, Navy and Air Force. While 12 expert divers- cum-surface rescuers with rafts are helping the stranded, the engineering task force of the army is expected to join them with 73 boats. An Indian Air Force team tried to airlift the stranded people using M17 choppers, but the mission was aborted due to heavy rain.
With over 3006 electric poles, conductors and transformers damaged, all communication has been cut off in the district. But revenue officers say measures are being taken to restore it in association with the telecommunication department. Telecom and mobile service providers have dispatched technical teams to Kodagu to carry out fibre restoration. They also plan to take the help of HAM operators to provide a back-up.
Going by official figures 98 km of roads and 58 bridges have been damaged, 845 houses have collapsed, and 773 houses and 243 government buildings have been partially damaged. Revenue Minister R.V. Deshpande, district-in charge Minister Sa Ra Mahesh and Public Works Minister H.D. Revanna reviewed relief measures taken up in the district, which has received 46 per cent more rainfall than usual this monsoon.
