Rains continue to lash Kolhapur; rivers in spate

Kolhapur, Aug 8 (UNI) Incessant rains lashing the district since the past six days has led to a rise in water levels of Panchaganga, Warna and Krishna rivers, threatening those living on its banks besides marooning Rajapur, Rajapurwadi and Khidrapur villages in Shirol tehsil.

District Collectorate spokesman today said, ''The water level of Krishna river has increased following discharge of water from Warna, Radhanagari and Koyana irrigation dams. Apart from this, about 15,290 cusec of water has been discharged from Warna dam to Warna river, while four automatic gates of Radhanagari irrigation dam that were opened today have been discharging about 6,000 cusec of water into the Panchaganga river and 26,264 cusec of water is being discharged from Koyana dam's six gates. All these dams discharged water into the Krishna river.'' The Panchaganga river has swollen up and is today flowing at a height of 40 feet, one foot above the warning mark of 39 feet, at Rajaram weir in the city's Kasaba Bavada suburb.

About 66 villages in Kolhapur district have been affected as various routes have been submerged due to flood waters. Road traffic on Kolhapur-Gargoti, Gadinglaj state highway has also been affected.

A total of 686.1 mm rainfall was recorded in the district during the last 24 hours. The highest rainfall of 176 mm was recorded in Radhanagari tehsil, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, body of an unidentified person was found in the flood waters near Tawade hotel point at the outskirts of the city.

Investigations are on, police sources said.

UNI