Kumaraswamy announces Rs 200 crore aid for flood relief work in Karnataka

Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy reviewed the situation in the rain-affected districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkmagaluru, Kodagu and parts of Hassan and Uttara Kannada.

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday announced a grant-in-aid of Rs 200 crore for relief work in districts hit by floods and landslides in the State due to incessant rains.

Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy said he would seek relief from the Centre for which the losses will have to be estimated.(HT File Photo)

He was speaking to reporters after reviewing the situation in the rain-affected districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkmagaluru, Kodagu and parts of Hassan and Uttara Kannada.

The CM said Rs 237.55 crore was available with all district commissioners and there was no dearth of funds totake up relief measures. He said the district administrations have been asked to estimate the losses andsubmit a report in couple of days.

Asked whether the state would be approaching the Centre for relief, Kumaraswamy said he would certainly be seeking its assistance for which the losses have to be estimated.

The CM, who held a high-level meeting with senior officials and ministers, said the rains have been heavier than normal. Ministers have been camping in the affected districts and secretaries in-charge asked to rush to those places, he said.

A press release from the chief minister’s office said 29 relief camps have been set up and 1,755 people provided shelter. The release said two deaths in Kodagu and one each in Udupiand Shivamogga have been reported till now.

Kodagu has been badly affected by flood and mudslides and many people were stranded in various places. Help of the Army has been sought to rescue the people, the CM said. Though helicopters were readyfor rescue operations, they could not take off owing to rough weather.

However, efforts would be taken again tomorrow to rescue them, he said, adding that there was sufficient food for the affected. “We have got the first-hand information based on which we have decided to release Rs 200 crore and instructed officials to take up relief work,” the CM said.