Over 500 people who were stranded due to the rains in Karnataka’s Kodagu district braved the heavy downpour, slippery roads and the risk of landslides by trekking 15 kilometres to safety.
Hundreds of people were stranded in Kandanakolli, Haleri and Baikeri in Kodagu’s Makkandur since the floods and the heavy rainfall were causing several landslides across the district.
The 500 people were waiting for relief but tired of waiting, they decided to venture out on their own.
"They waited for two days but no one came so they trekked to Shuntikoppa. Upon reaching the village, they took shelter in a local madrassa and a temple. The locals are helping these people with food and water," an official with the district administration said.
So far, no one had been rescued by the NDRF through airlifting operations. "Airlifting was attempted but due to the low visibility and gushing winds, it became impossible," the official added.
“On Saturday, Navy personnel from Karwar will reach Kodagu along with Army personnel, who will begin rescue operations, if the weather permits,” he said.
On Friday morning, several NRDF personnel tried to launch rescue operations. However, all roads connecting Madikeri to other parts of Kodagu were cut off due to landslides.
“The roads were blocked and the rescue teams were unable to reach the people," said PRS Chetan of the Civil Defense Quick Reaction Team.
However, by the afternoon, the road Mukkodlu via Hattihole was cleared and over 200 people were rescued.
Around 300 people are still stranded on the hilltop at Doddakunda Betta and are waiting to be rescued. The residents Katakeri andKo Tanthitala villages near Madikeri left their homes and are perched on top of the hill after massive flooding and landslides.
Moderate rains began late on Tuesday evening and by Wednesday, the rainfall level had escalated. Several low-lying areas witnessed massive flooding on Wednesday night and by Thursday, life in the district came to a standstill.
In Madikeri’s Katageri, two people, Yashwanat Venkataramana and Pawan, were killed in a landslide. They had fled from their homes but when they came back to see their house, they lost their lives.
A landslide was reported from Hemme Taluk, while 20 people were rescued from another landslide.
Early on Thursday morning, the water from the river Koothuvalai flooded the villages. Water from this tributary of river Cauvery began gushing into Kattikeri and Tanthitala, flooding the homes and forcing people to evacuate.
All educational institutions have been shut down by the District Collector. Tourists have been urged not to visit the district.
As on August 16, 700 people were displaced and were taking shelter in 10 relief camps set up across the district.