Karnataka govt announces Rs 200 crore for flood relief work

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today 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.

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

The Chief Minister said Rs 237.55 crore was available with alldistrict 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 Chief Minister, 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 Office said 29 reliefcamps 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, theChief Minister 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 theofficials to take up the relief work," the Chief Minister said.