Panchganga flows above danger mark, situation grim as rains continue

Kolhapur, Aug 7 (UNI) Rains continued to lash Kolhapur and Sangli districts for the third consecutive day today raising fresh fears of floods among the people.

People residing along the banks of Panchaganga and Krishna rivers were panic-stricken due to rising flood waters. The swelled up Panchganga river is currently flowing at the height of 41 feet above the danger mark of 39 feet near Rajaram wier near Kasaba Bavada suburb, while Krishna river is flowing at the height of 35.3 feet near Sangli city bridge, irrigation department spokesman said.

About 20 weirs on different rivers in Kolhapur district have been inundated due to rains. Road connectivity has also been disrupted due to heavy downpour and discharge of water from the dams. Kharif crops in both Kolhapur and Sangli districts have been damaged due to flood waters.

Kolhapur district recorded 930.3 mm rainfall during the last 24 hours ending this morning at 0800 hrs. During this period, Gaganbavada tehsil recorded highest rainfall of 156 mm followed by 152 mm rainfall in Radhanagari, 120 mm rainfall in Bhudargad tehsil, sources informed.

Meanwhile, a 40-year-old farm labourer was swept away in a flooded rivulet in Shirol tehsil of this district, police sources said. The deceased identified as Mahmad Badshah Mulla, was swept away while crossing the flooded rivulet. His body was discovered last night.

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