Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy conducted an aerial survey over rain-ravaged Kodagu district of the state on Sunday. This was the CM’s second aerial survey of the district bordering northern Kerala which has been flooded by a spell of incessant rains.
Kumaraswamy surveyed areas around Somawarpet, Gunti Koppa, Madapur, Mukkodul, Harangi, Siddapura and Kushalnagar – the worst affected areas of the district – during the flight lasting about an hour and 15 minutes.
The CM said that President Ram Nath Kovind called on him to enquire about the situation. Kumaraswamy informed the President that over 3,500 people have been rescued so far in the rescue and relief efforts undertaken by the state administration.
President of India Ramnath Kovind today called CM HD Kumaraswamy& inquired about the situation in Kodagu.
The CM briefed him on the Kodagu district administration’s commendable job. The CM thanked the @rashtrapatibhvn for calling & expressing solidarity with the people of Kodagu pic.twitter.com/IhbtgZMlL9— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) August 19, 2018
According to reports, Kumaraswamy presented cheques to those who lost property in floods in Avarthi village after the aerial survey.
He had earlier announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for people who lost their houses in floods. Reports say that heavy rains destroyed over 800 houses and people have lost their property documents in the deluge.
On Sunday, the CM spoke to officials of the district over telephone to discuss rescue efforts.
Kumaraswamy had on Saturday said that around 950 personnel from multiple agencies had rescued 350 people and pressed every rescue-related machinery into service.
Meanwhile, people stranded around Makkandoor are being rescued by the Army and the NDRF who are continuing the rescue operation.
Kodagu District Collector said that Milk Producers Union has provided essential food items such as milk, rice, dal, and pulses. Food has been arranged for 31 relief shelters where over 2,250 displaced people have taken shelter.
PWD minister HD Revanna is overseeing relief measures in the district.