Situation in Kolhapur continues to remain grim

Kolhapur, Aug 10 (UNI) The flood situation in this district of Maharashtra continues to remain grim following continued discharge of water from the dam despite the decline in rainfall.

The Panchaganga river is overflowing owing to continued discharge of water into it from the Radhanagari dam over the past four days.

The catchment areas of the river have been experiencing continuous rains. The Panchaganga river was today flowing at a height of 42.5 feet, close to the danger mark of 43 feet, district collectorate sources said.

The district administration was monitoring the situation and would extend all help to the affected people residing on the banks of the river if the need arises, the sources said.

The discharge from the Radhanagari dam, however, was reduced today to 3200 cusecs as against yesterday's discharge of 6000 cusecs. But, discharge from the Koyana dam has had to be slightly increased and 38,341 cusecs of water were being discharged. The discharge from the Warna dam was at 1559 cusecs.

The Koyana and Warna rivers were flooded while the water level of Krishna river crossed 36 feet at Irwin Bridge near Sangli city in neighbouring Sangli district as against the 34 feet mark yesterday.

The danger mark at Irwin Bridge, however, is 45 feet.

Around 75 villages have been affected in the district due to floods. In Shirol tehsil of the district, the three villages of Rajapur, Rajapurwadi and Khidrapur remained cut off for the fourth consecutive day today.

The district recorded a total of 433.3 mm rains during the last 24 hours, as against yesterday's 616.8 mm.

Though the flood situation is grim, the district administration has not effected any evacuation as yet, but many people have shifted voluntarily.

UNI