Face of Nation : The Karnataka government on Saturday pegged the damage caused by torrential downpour and subsequent floods in the state at Rs 6,000 crore even as the toll from various rain-related incidents stood at 24. Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said this was the “biggest calamity” in 45 years adding his government has sought Rs 3,000 crore as relief from the Centre.
“So far 24 people have died in various rain-related incidents. As many as 2.35 lakh people have been moved to safety. As many as 222 head of livestock is dead and 44,013 head of cattle have been evacuated and provided shelter,” he added.
Rescue and relief work were being carried out by teams of personnel comprising NDRF and the armed forces, he said. The government has assessed that 3,22,448 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged due to floods and landslides.
As many as 243 PWD roads have been blocked while 2,450 km roads, 530 bridges, 56 public buildings have been damaged. “Total estimate of the damage (to government property) is Rs 1,427 crore,” Yediyurappa said.
While heavy rain in neighbouring Maharashtra and in the State for the past one week caused floods in North Karnataka, landslides compounded problems in the Malnad region and coastal areas, the chief minister said.
“The Union government has responded very positively. We have availed services of the defence forces. Twenty teams of NDRF, 11 of the Army, 5 teams of Navy, 4 choppers from Air Force, police and the Fire and Emergency services and others are carrying out rescue operations,” he said.
Stating the situation in Karnataka compelled him to cut short his Delhi visit, Yediyurappa said he visited the flood hit regions of north Karnataka which were most affected and took stock of the situation
