Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)
Bengaluru, Aug 19: As per the outlook of the revenue and public works departments of the state, the loss due to the incessant rains that are battering the coast, Malnad and Kodagu regions is estimated to be around Rs 7,500 crore. However, the comprehensive reports are yet to be given by the respective deputy commissioners. In addition, to the damage to the basic infrastructure, this time around, even the commercial crops have been affected badly. It will take some time to assess the damage that is caused to these crops. It will not be a surprise if the final amount of loss reaches beyond Rs 15,000 crores.
Commercial activities are hampered to a great extent due to the landslide and subsequent closure of roads between the two main cities of Mangaluru and Bengaluru of the state. Especially, the export and the tourism industries are affected to a great extent. This will have dire consequences on the economy of Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu districts have completely battered due to the rain. In addition, many places in the districts of Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga and Hassan have borne the brunt of incessant rains. Mysuru and Mandya districts have incurred a loss due to the overflowing of the rivers. However, the estimation of the loss cannot be done as per the officials as the water is still not subsided from the roads and fields which are submerged.
More than 1,500 houses are damaged due to the rain in the seven districts. Hundreds of houses have totally collapsed. Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts have witnessed highest number of house collapses. In the district of Kodagu, more than 850 houses are completely destroyed. This number will swell as the relief operations are still underway. Similarly, in Dakshina Kannada 252, Udupi 144, Uttara Kannada 26, Shivamogga 46, Chikkamagaluru 40 and Hassan 33 houses have collapsed due to rain. Commercial crops like areca nut and coffee are damaged extensively.
Accurate information with regards to the damage caused to roads due to train is still not available from the national highway department of the state, public works department and Panchayat Raj department. The reason is that the roads are still submerged in rainwater and many areas are cut off due to landslides and collapsing of connecting bridges. The loss includes the damage caused to drains. Numerous electric poles and transformers are also damaged due to high-velocity winds and submerging in water. The complete information with regards to this also is yet to arrive from the district administration.