CM tells DCs in rain hit districts to be on high alert

CM tells DCs in rain hit districts to be on high alert

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, August 15, 2018: Following heavy, relentless rainfall in Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Hassan, Chikkamagalur and Shivamogga, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has directed the deputy commissioners of these districts to be on high alert.

Kumaraswamy has cautioned them to take preventive measures to avoid major mishaps due to floods and landslides. He has asked DCs to be prepared to take up relief works on short notice.

Kumaraswamy has directed district-in-charge secretaries to visit these districts and keep vigil on rain-related losses. The CM has appealed to the concerned district-in-charge ministers to review the situations in their districts.

The chief minister is also scheduled to hold a meeting to review the flood-like situation in coastal and Malnad districts; as also the drought situation in north Karnataka districts, on August 16.
 
Torrential rains disrupt normal life
Dakshina Kannada received a maximum of 33.8 cm rainfall, while Uttara Kannada experienced 33.6 cm, and south interior districts Kodagu 28.8 cm, Chikkamagaluru 25.1 cm, Hassan 24.5 cm and Shivamogga 33.6 cm rainfall.

Due to the heavy rains, landslides were reported since Monday in several parts of the state, particularly on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route, leading to several state-run buses and trains suspending their services from Tuesday night.

Landslides were reported in Sakleshpur sub-district in the Western Ghats mountains in Hassan district, obstructing vehicular movement from Bengaluru to Mangaluru.

"All premium bus services from Bengaluru towards Mangaluru, Dharmasthala (in Dakshina Kannada district) and Kundapura (in Udupi district) have been cancelled due to landslides," the state-run Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) had said in a statement.

Trains including Karwar-Yeshwanthpur Express, Yeshwanthpur-Mangalore Junction Express, were partially cancelled and few other trains diverted, the South Western Railway said in a statement.

With the Arabian Sea being rough with winds along the coast, the IMD has asked the fishermen not to venture into the waters.

"Due to strong winds along the Karnataka coast, sea condition is likely to be rough in the southwest and central Arabian sea. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea," an advisory from the IMD added.

Heavy rains are likely to continue for the next two days.