Rain fury: Death toll in Karnataka touches 39

Bangalore, Jun 24: The death toll in rain fury across Karnataka during the last two days has left a trial of destruction with the death toll rising to 39.

Rain abated to some extent in northern plains of Bijapur, Gulbarga and Raichur but continued to pour heavily along the coast.

Six more deaths were reported in rain related incidents since last night. This included a 70 year-old-woman who died in a wall collapse in Bellary and another person being washed away in Bijapur.

A number of minor rivers and streams were overflowing in Bijapur, Raichur, Gulbarga and Udupi inundating scores of villages.

Normal life was thrown out of gear in Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur.

IMD Director G S Vijayaraghavan told sources that heavy rains were caused by yesterday's depression over Pune. Today it crossed the coast and lie over Arabian sea adjoining Gujarat. This would bring down the quantum of rains over the plains in the coming days.

"However monsoon will be active over the coastal districts," he said.

He said monsoon was vigorous over Interior karnataka and active over Coastal areas. Heavy rains would continue in coastal and ghat districts. Fishermen were warned that strong offshore winds with speeds reaching 45-55 km were likely along the state's cost, he added.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has called for a high-level meeting tomorrow to take stock of the sitution. Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa today ordered district administration to take action on a war footing to help affected people. Paying of compensation will not be a problem, he said.

UNI

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