Bhima wrecks havoc in North Karnataka, toll rise to five

Bangalore, Aug 12 (UNI) The death toll in the flood ravaged North Karnataka rose to five, even as ravaging Bhima river, flowing well above danger mark, submerged more areas in Bijapur and Gulbarga disitrict, following increased discharge of water from Ujjini and Veerbhatkal dams in Maharashtra.

Krishna river continues to be in spate causing inundations of in many parts of Belgaum and Bagalkot districts besides Gulbarga.

However, there was a slight drop in the inflow from the dams in Maharashtra today.

Revenue officials said that three persons had died since yesterday one each in the Bijapur and Gulbarga and Bagalkot districts. Earlier two persons had died in the floods last month one each in Belgaum and Gulbarga districts.

In Bijapur district, Bhima breached the danger mark of 14 meters and was flowing at 14.35 meters this morning.

There was some respite as water level dropped slightly in Krishna as discharge from Koyna reservoir in Maharashtra had come down. The water level in Almatti reservoir stood at 516.95 ft against full capacity of 519 ft. The inflow was 2,97,941 cusecs, while the outflow was maintained at 3,00,502 cusecs. All the 26 gates have been opened.

Six villages, five in Indi taluk and one in Sindgi taluk, were completely surrounded by water, while 13 villages in Indi Taluk were partially covered with water.

In all 3930 people were shifted to safer places and eight country boats were pressed into service to rescue people from marooned villages. overall 28 relief centres had been opened.

Authorities have estimated the loss due to flood at Rs 20.93 crore. Standing crops, including Sugarcane, in 10,489 acres were completely destroyed.

UNI XR-MSP RS SSC KP1337