Rains abate, flood situation still grim

Kolhapur, Aug 12 (UNI) A fortnight after incessant rains, the people of Kolhapur and Sangli districts are hoping the flood situation will improve as rains have abated.

Kolhapur district recorded 432.4 mm rainfall during the last 24 hours ending at 0800 hrs today, lower than yesterday's rainfall of 1,076.6 mm, district collector office spokesman told UNI.

Despite intermittant sunshine since this morning, the flood situation continued to be grim following continuous discharge of water from various dams in the river beds, causing waters to swell.

Panchaganga river is flowing above the danger mark and is currently at the height of 45.10 ft against yesterday's height of 45.7 ft, way above the danger mark of 45 ft at the Rajaram weir on Panchaganga river, the spokesman said.

There has been no improvement in the worst affected Shirol tehsil, with four villages Rajapur, Rajapurwadi, Khidrapur and Bustwad remaining marooned since the past 15 days, sources said.

Army has once again been called and deployed in Shirol for the second time during the fortnight to conduct rescue and relief operations since last night.

Flood situation in Sangli district has not improved either and Krishna river near Sangli city is continuously flowing above the danger mark, Sangli district collector office said.

UNI BBK KU/GK SY HT1512