Heavy rains are pounding the Western Ghats and causing severe flooding in Belgaum district, affecting areas where seven major rivers flow. This deluge has submerged tens of villages and thousands of acres of land, displacing 10,304 people from 3,684 families. Families have been forced to abandon their homes, leaving behind their belongings, livestock, and crops, seeking refuge in 54 care centers across the district.
Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar has visited the flood-affected areas, where 5 fatalities have been reported, and 12 houses completely destroyed while 535 others sustained partial damage. The district is grappling with the inundation of 40 bridges, severing connectivity and exacerbating the challenges faced by residents.
Water levels in key reservoirs like Rajalakham Gowda Reservoir and Renuka Sagar are critically high, with substantial inflows and outflows being managed to prevent further escalation of the flooding. Rainfall continues unabated, particularly impacting Belgaum city and surrounding taluks, with concerns of additional disruptions.
Meanwhile, tragic incidents like the drowning of Santhosh Siddappa Metri in the swollen Krishna river highlight the perilous conditions faced by residents despite evacuation efforts. His body was recovered in Kudachi town after he was swept away during efforts to retrieve fodder amid rising waters.
The affected communities are demanding permanent compensation for their losses, emphasizing the need for sustained relief efforts and future flood mitigation strategies.
