BENGALURU: The number of rain-related deaths in the state this year has reached 138 in just four months. Last year the state saw 160 deaths in rain-related incidents in a 12-month period.This year, the state received 526mm rain as against 423mm normal level, which is 24 per cent excess rainfall. There are 50 more days to go for monsoon to end.
As per data available with The New Indian Express, from March till July 10, 138 people died in various rain-related incidents. While 103 people died due to lightening, 12 drowned, seven died in wall collapses and eight died due to tree falls.The toll this year is higher compared to previous years. A senior official from Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said, “In 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17, 128, 113 and 160 people died respectively in a span of 12 months each year.”
KSNDMC Director Srinivasa Reddy said they are continuously monitoring river flow and reservoir levels. “In fact, based on our recommendations, KSDMA has issued warning to the district commissioners concerned about flood-prone villages and towns in Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Mysuru, Kodagu, Mandya, Hassan and Ramanagaram where Krishna and Cauvery rivers flow,’’ he said.
Principal Secretary to Disaster Management Gangaram Baderiya has instructed all the authorities concerned to take up preventive measures. “It has been reported that due to heavy rains in most parts of the state, particularly Malnad and coastal areas, the rivers are overflowing. But people continue to cross these rivers by using temporary structures such as bamboos, resulting in deaths due to drowning,’’ he said. He has directed the deputy commissioners to issue advisory to the public not to cross rivers without boas and proper life support system. In case a district administration does not have boats, the can acquire the same.
Alarming water level
Heavy rain in the Western Ghats has resulted in rapid rise of water levels of rivers in Cauvery basin. Harangi and Kabini dams have filled and there is heavy outflow from these dams. The inflow into Hemavathi and KRS has also increased. For the past three days, Krishna, Bhima and Tungabhadra basins have been receiving heavy to very heavy rains. As a result, inflow into Almatti dam is likely to increase further. Tungabadra River is also likely to rise in Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga and Ballari, Baderiay said.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
No fishing till September
Water-based recreational activities in rivers suspended
Popular river spots to be manned to prevent people from getting into the water
Warning messages to be put up near rivers and beaches
Safety equipment are placed near rivers* Crisis management teams at every district