Over 200 killed as rains batter AP, Karnataka

Bangalore, Oct 4: At least 227 people were killed after monsoon unleashed its fury with record-breaking rain and floods in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharshtra, officials said.

The rain-related death toll has climbed to 156 in Karnataka since Wednesday, Sep 29, while in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh there were 50 deaths and 21 deaths in Maharashtra.

The flood situation in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka showed signs of improvement with water level starting to recede Saturday after three days of torrential rain.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah told reporters in Hyderabad that the flood waters in the worst-hit Kurnool were receding slowly.

HV Parashwanath, secretary of Karnataka Disaster Management Authority said, "Almost all marooned people have been rescued. Over 150,000 people are taking shelter in 583 relief camps."

"More than 350 villages were affected by the rain and subsequent floods, worst since 1972 in north Karnataka," Parashwanath added.

The North Karnataka 'watershed' photos

Eight helicopters, 40 boats and a 105-member team of the National Disaster Relief Force were taking part in the rescue and relief operations.

Over 20,000 food packets were airdropped for the marooned people, he said.

OneIndia News