Karnataka in Clutches of Flood Again? CM Blames the Stars

The threat of second flood in the year continues to haunt Karnataka. Twenty-five out of 30 districts in the state are reported to have received ‘above normal’ rainfall in the state. According to a Times of India report, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada and Chitrdurga are the worst affected districts, while Raichur, Kalaburgi, Uadgir, Bidar and Vijayapura have recorded ‘below normal’ rainfall. The state as a whole has received 16% excessive rainfall. It is reported that 13 people have died so far in rain-related incidents.

According to the state government data, a total of 150 livestock have been killed and 12,000 houses have been damaged. An NDTV report said that Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has blamed the stars for this situation. He is reported to have said, “There was downpour last time [as well]. It seems like our stars are not good… Once again, the rain god (Varuna) is furious and is pounding many districts, submerging many villages. Deaths have taken place and vehicles have been swept away.”

Also Read: Karnataka to Receive Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall, Red and Orange Alert Issued

had reported earlier that compensation announced for those affected by the previous flood has not reached the people. While 7,000 people in the state are in relief camps now, the CM is probably focusing on how the stars are like for his party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in the Assembly elections in a number of states.

The August floods in Karnataka are estimated to have caused losses to the tune of Rs 50,000 crore. About 103 taluks in 22 districts have been badly hit with over crop loss sprawled over 6.9 lakh hectares of land. Around 75,317 houses have been damaged due to the rains.

After two long months of waiting, the central government had announced the release of a meagre amount of Rs. 1,200 crore as flood relief fund for Karnataka.

Also Read: Karnataka Flood Relief Funds: Farmers Suffer Due to Lack of Crop Loss Compensation

According to a Prajavani report, 1,12,483 families have been given Rs 10,000 each, while 3,000 families have not received this meagre amount as well. The crops and agricultural land have been hit badly. Crops grown on 2,21,428 hectares of land are destroyed, but no relief fund for crop loss has been announced so far. Reportedly, six farmers have committed suicide owing to the crop loss and increased pressure to repay loans.

Even before the promises made by the state government could be fulfilled, the state is witnessing another similar natural disaster. An ANI report noted, “In Bagalkot, as many as 3,734 people have been rehabilitated in seven relief camps. A total of 7,220 people have been rehabilitated across Karnataka in 28 relief camps.” It also said, “Furthermore on Wednesday, around four Additional Directorate General of Public Information Indian Army (ADGPI) teams were pressed into action for relief and rescue operations in the flood-hit Raichur district.

Also Read: Karnataka Flood Relief Funds: Delayed and Meagre Allocation by Centre