As Flood-Like Situation Continues in Karnataka, Deputy CM Says Oppn Playing Politics Amid Crisis

Swollen rivers and flood like situation continue to threaten lives and property in several parts of Karnataka that have been ravaged by torrential rains over the last few days.

Though there has been a respite from the downpour in some parts, rivers continue to flow above the danger mark, inundating low lying areas in several parts of Malnad, coastal and interior Karnataka.

There are also reports of continued landslides in hilly areas of Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru.

In Dakshina Kannada, heavy rains have submerged several areas in Bantwala and Belthangady, among others, with the Netravati river overflowing and also water being released from nearby dams.

Officials said incessant rains in Cauvery river catchment areas have led to increased inflow in the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Mandya district. Water is being released from it and people living in low lying areas have been warned, they said.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan accused opposition parties of playing politics even during floods and natural disasters and asked them to play a constructive role.

"Instead of giving some constructive ideas to the government, is it right to play politics and waste time during these challenging times,?" Ashwath Narayan was quoted as saying by his office in a release, in response to Congress' criticism of the government's handling the flood situation.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the opposition has these days criticised the government over the COVID issue and now it was the floods.

The opposition leaders need some issue to keep harping against the government, he said.

"In a democratic setup, the opposition party must work constructively.They must lend a helping hand to the government and work responsibly in emergency situations like these.

If there are lapses on the part of the government, let them highlight the same," he added.

Leader of the Opposition in the assembly Siddaramaiah on Thursday had accused the state government of having failed to come to the rescue of the flood affected and raised questions about its very existence.

There is also a flood like situation in Najanagudu and nearby areas of Mysuru as the swollen Kapila river has inundated roads connecting Ooty in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, with water being released from Kabini dam.

There has been some respite from heavy rains in certain parts of Kodagu, which has been ravaged by floods and landslides. However several areas of the district continue to be in deluge with the Cauvery and Lakshmana Tirtha rivers overflowing due to rains in the hilly areas.

There are also reports of landslides in some parts of the district.

Meanwhile, continuing rains are hampering the search operation by NDRF and authorities to locate five people, including the priest at Talacauvery, the origin of the river Cauvery, who had gone missing due to massive landslides at Bramhagiri hills on Wednesday night.

There are also reports of landslides at a few places in Charmadi ghat region of Chikkamagaluru and the road connecting to Dakshina Kannada has been closed temporarily.

Though Belagavi district has had some respite from the heavy rains, flood like situation continues to persist as the Krishna river and its tributaries are swollen due to continued inflows because of rains in neighbouring Maharashtra.

Some areas and roads in the district's Chikkodi and Nippani are inundated, the sources said.

Inflow has also increased to the Tungabhadra dam in Hosapete of Ballari district due to rains in the catchment areas of Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru.

Authorities have alerted people living in low lying areas about opening dam gates to release water anytime with rising inflow.

There is a similar flood like situation in parts of Yadgir, Raichur and Bagalkote districts with water being released from various dams.

The state government has released Rs 50 crore for emergency relief and has announced Rs 10,000 as immediate relief each to affected families.

An amount of Rs five lakh has been announced for completely damaged houses, while in the case of partially damaged ones, relief will be distributed considering the extent of damage.