Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Jul 31: Incessant rains over the past 24 hours have caused the Netravati River to rise 10 meters above the danger level, submerging several villages along its banks in the Bantwal taluk.
In the Gudinabali, Aladka, Jakribettu, and Bastipadpu areas, water has flooded low-lying homes, displacing numerous families. In Naavoor village, about eight houses have been inundated, while five houses in Guddayangadi and over 15 in Aladka are underwater. Additionally, agricultural lands and fields in Pane Mangalore, Bantwal, Naavoor, Sarapadi, and Maninalkur villages have been submerged.
Several roads have been cut off due to the flooding, including the Bantwal-Jakribettu road at Kotekani, the BC Road in Bastipadpu, and the Aladka area.
Landslides cause further disruption
Landslides have occurred in multiple locations, disrupting transportation. The main road between Vittla and Kalladka has been blocked by a landslide, halting vehicle movement. A landslide has also caused electric poles and wires to fall onto the road, further complicating the situation.
Residents have been warned to be cautious as boulders have shifted near roadsides, posing additional risks. In Amtadi village, a tree has fallen near the Rudrabhumi area, exacerbating the traffic disruption. The Agrar-Jakribettu road in Bantwal Kasba village has also been affected by a landslide.
Heavy rains have also flooded the ongoing highway construction site at Kalladka, causing significant traffic disruption throughout the day.
MLA Rajesh Naik orders evacuation of at-risk families
Due to the heavy rains, water has entered low-lying homes, prompting MLA Rajesh Naik to instruct taluk officials to relocate families from these dangerous and unsafe homes to secure locations. Despite the severe weather, Naik visited several flood-affected areas and assured the victims that all necessary arrangements would be made by the taluk administration.
He also directed the tahsildar to arrange for the removal of mud from homes affected by the flooding once the water recedes.
Accompanying him were Tahsildar Archana Bhatt, Revenue Inspector Janardhan, Rural SI Harish, BJP District Secretary Devappa Poojari, and local BJP leaders.
Former minister Ramanath Rai visits flood-affected areas
Former minister B Ramanath Rai visited various flood-affected areas in Bantwal taluk, including Lower Bantwal, Baddakatta, Darbe, and Karambadi, on Tuesday. He reviewed the situation and urged the district commissioner, tahsildar, and superintendent of police to take immediate action via phone call.
He was accompanied by Baby Kunder, president of Bantwal Bood, municipality members Vasu Poojari, Riyaz Bantwal, Manohar Nerambolu, Jagadish Bantwal, and others.