K'taka government announces compensation to rain affected

Bangalore, June 24 (UNI) Karnataka government today announced an ex gratia of Rs 50,000 to the family of 26 killed in th heavy rains that battered many parts of the state during the last two days.

He said after meeting the affected in Bijapur district that Rs 50,000 was being paid to the kin of those killed in the rain related incidents. Rs 10,000 was being distributed to those whose houses were fully collapsed and Rs 5000 to those whose houses were partially collapsed.

Unofficial reports however put to the toll at 49. The worst affected districts were Bijapur, Bagalkot, Raichur, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan and Belgaum.

On raising the compensation, he said the decision would depend on the amount given from the union government's Calamity fund. The state would do its best to come to the rescue of the affected people, he said.

Earlier Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had asked the district officials to take all measures on war foot to protect the lives and property of people battered by the monsoon fury.

''There is no dearth of funds and the state government would provide additional funds if needed for rehabilitation,'' he said.

(Ed: pick up suitably from BG 6) UNI