Rescue efforts are underway in Karnataka's Kodagu district after heavy rains on Thursday morning caused flooding in parts of Virajpet taluk of the district.
The district administration confirmed the rescue efforts. Currently, rescue efforts are underway in Kanuru in the district.
"The army is stationed in Virajpet, Bhagamandala and Napoklu while the National Disaster Response Force, police, fire and emergency services and home guards are involved in rescue efforts in other areas," confirmed Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Joy.
21 relief centres have been opened in the district and 993 people are currently sheltered in them. 300 people are camped in a relief centre in Karadigodu Government Higher Primary School.
Kodagu DC Annies Joy inspecting flood hit areas
The red warning issued for Kodagu will continue till Friday morning. Major roads including Madikeri-Virajpet, Madikeri-Bhagamandala, Bhagmandala-Ayengeri, Murnad-Virajpet, Koyanadu-Jodupala, Gonikoppa-Ponnampet, Siddapura-Karadigodu, Virajpet-Makkuta - are blocked due to landslides and waterlogging.
Kodagu received an average 167 mm rainfall as of Thursday morning with the district centre of Madikeri receiving 201 mm rainfall. This has caused the waters in the Kaveri and Lakshman Theertha rivers to overflow.
The water at the Harangi reservoir reached 2849 feet against the maximum level of 2859 feet. This time last year, the Harangi reservoir level was at 2857 feet. Incessant rains in mid-August 2018 triggered landslides and floods in Kodagu. The calamity then took the lives of 18 people and displaced more than 8,000 others. This year, the district administration has identified areas it will open relief camps in and have also evacuated people living in vulnerable areas.
In addition to the toll-free rescue and relief helpline number 1077, Kodagu residents can contact the district administration on 08272 221077 and on 8550001077 via WhatsApp for any assistance.