Karnataka rains: 666 persons rescued from low lying areas

BENGALURU: Following to the heavy rainfall in coastal and other parts of Karnataka, 18 relief camps have been established and the 666 persons have been rescued by the NDRF and SDRF personnel.
Gangaram Baderiya, IAS, Relief Commissioner/Principal Secretary to Govt, Revenue Department (DM, Bhoomi, UPOR, Stamps & Registration) Govt. of Karnataka in his report of August 13, 14 and 15 said that Deputy Commissioners of Coastal and Malnad districts have taken measures by evacuating people residing in low lying area (vulnerable areas) to relief camp and deploying rescue teams at vulnerable areas based on advanced forecast given by KSNDMC and IMD.

According to the report which is with TOI, additional NDRF Teams and Fire Force with equipment from neighbouring districts have been rushed to Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada.

Family along with 12 day old bay rescued by Fire Forces in Bikur, Kundapur

Strict vigil has been maintained in the dams and people residing in downstream area along the river course were warned in advance. Tasildhars and concerned revenue officers are camping in strategic location to swiftly respond to emergency. Proactive actions of Deputy Commissioners have ensured no causalities (as of now). State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) and DEOCs of Coastal and Malnad districts are activated and are functioning 24/7.

There is total coordination between DGP, Fire and Emergency, NDRF Commandant on deploying forces. On short notice, teams are deployed to vulnerable locations. Director, Department of Telecommunication, Govt. of India is constantly apprised on communication disruption, which is acted on and promptly restored, the report said.

Old women being rescued in Kallapu, Mangaluru, DK District

Also, 712 houses have been damaged due to the rainfall and assessment is on for infrastructure (roads/culverts/bridges, buildings, electrical infra. Damages).

Informing about the rescue teams and the equipment, he said, teams are equipped with inflatable boats with OBM(high power motor) which has capacity to evacuate 8-9 people at a time, life jackets, dewatering pumps, hydraulic driller, power saws, floating stretchers, life bouys, search lights. The team also comprises of skilled deep divers with suits and medical emergency kits. To ensure failsafe communication, VHF, VSAT and HF communication, which enables Satellite communication with SEOC, NDMA and NDRF HQ.

Major roads affected due to muslide/landslide

Road via Shiradi and Sampangi ghat closed due to mudslide.
Kushalnagar-Hassan SH (closed) severely damaged due to incessant rain.
Bhagamandala - Ayyengeri road closed due to water logging.
Several district and villages roads have been blocked due to mudslides.
Deputy Commissioners have deployed heavy machineries to clear debris on war footing.

Measures taken by Deputy Commissioners

Schools and collages declared holiday in Kodagu, Udupi,Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagalur, Shivamogga, and Hassan districts.
People residing in low lying area alerted and evacuated as the situation warranted.
Pre-deployment of rescue teams to vulnerable areas. Addl. rescue teams requested as re-inforcement.
Major tourist spots (river side)/beaches are manned by home guards to ensure tourists are not entering the danger zone.
People in low lying areas are being evacuated and sent to relief camps. Food and medical care is provided in the relief camps.