New Delhi: As rains continue to lash the southern part of India, over 200 people are reported dead. Over 60,000 houses have been reported to have been destroyed in the flood fury and lakhs of people displaced.
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh governments have started rescue and relief work on war footing with the help of the defence forces.
The tales of people displaced by the massive flooding are heart-rending.
"Our entire village is under water. Even our relatives and friends have the same problem. We have no clue what to do," said one.
Affected people have been facing wet and miserable days since the skies opened up and wreaked havoc. Many villagers have been waiting in patches of land not submerged the way their homes have been. They await a transfer to safety as the flood has swallowed all their belongings and property.
"The mother of this little girl is on the other side. We do not know how to cross over. The little girl has been crying," said a woman holding a child.
It is the same story in 10 districts of north Karnataka and four districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Lakhs of people have lost their homes, land and crop. Sadder yet, many have lost even their family members. Reports from the affected area show that water has obliterated the difference between road and bridge, river and plain.
But help has finally reached the famous religious place of Mantralaya in Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border after two days of anxious wait. Hundreds of stranded pilgrims have been taken to safer places.
The two state governments assisted by Army, Navy and Air force are still rescuing tens of thousands of people and dropping food packets. Both the state governments have not been able assess the total loss. The flood water may take 3-4 days to recede, if the rain completely stops.
"All the arrangements have been made by the District Collectors and senior officers have been deputed over there. All arrangements have been going on well, camps have been set up. Almost two lakh people have been evacuated to safe places," authorities said.
The flood situation has spread to even Konkan region on the West Coast in Sindhudurg, some parts of Goa and Karwar. Heavy landslides have disrupted road traffic on the Mumbai-Mangalore national highway.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah visited the flood affected areas in Vijaywada and Krishna district. He said water levels are now receding in some areas.
"Just now there is not much reason for worry in Vijaywada and Krishna district, the trouble will be if water from upstream reaches that area. As for Kurnool my ADC didn't allow me to get down there, the flood from upstream is coming down substantially which is good news.
Outflow from Sreesalem to Nagarjunsagar will automatically be reduced. As for between Sagar and Vijaywada we are managing. There is some problem between Sagar and Nagarjun Sagar which we are trying to help out," he added.
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