The Codava National Council on Saturday urged the government to declare the damage caused by landslides in Kodagu an international disaster.

N U Nachappa, the president of the council, also asked the government to rehabilitate the affected in their places of origin. Describing the Harangi reservoir as a threat to the livelihood of Kodavas, he said the shoddy work on the structure threatens Mysuru as well. “It is because of the backwaters of this reservoir that floods and landslides took place,” he told reporters.

He said the Centre and state must provide Rs 30,000 crore for the rehabilitation, adding that funds should be sought from the United Nations for the relief.