Man swept away flood waters in Madikeri district

Madikeri, July 20 (UNI) A man in his late forties met a watery grave as he was swept away by swirling flood waters near Napoklu taking the rain related death toll in Kodagu to five.

K. Krishna 47, a native of Yavakapadi, was missing since Monday evening. He had visited his son living on the other side of a river 'Kombale' near Nalaknad palace. He was seen crossing the river in the evening to return to his house.

A complaint was lodged with the Napoklu police and a search was on. The search team traced the body yesterday a kilometer away from his house the briver 'Kombale' river was in spate.

The gram panchayath immediately paid compensation of rupees one thousand to the family. But the villagers demanded compensation from the district authorities. The official was taken to task by villagers as she said that the compensation amount could be paid only after autopsy report.

After weeks of incessant rainfall and floods, Kodagu witnessed a partially sunny day yesterday.

People set out from their houses with out rain coats, gum boots and umbrellas. Flood levels in Cauvery and other rivers have come down. Farmers set out out early to plough their fields.

Madikeri has so far received 98.73 inches of rainfall. Last year it was 74.78 inches. Virajpet registered 76.72 inches. Last year it was 62.5 inches. Somwarpet received 57.34 inches of rainfall, whereas it was 53.90 last year.

UNI