'Govt committed to provide relief to flood victims'

The government is committed to addressing the problems of the victims of the flood-ravaged Jodupala in Kodagu district, said Revenue Minister R V Deshpande.

After the flood subsides, the officials will conduct a survey to assess the loss, and the victims will be provided with a house and other required materials.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the landslide-affected area in Jodupala, and gruel centres in Sulia on Sunday, he said, “Already, 2,700 people have been rescued and sent to different gruel centres in Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts. A total of 30 relief camps have been opened in the said districts. The officials, joined by the local organisations, will lend the helping hand to the victims at the relief camps. Even healthcare will be looked into. The people need not worry,” he said.

“I have already visited the affected area and collected information. The victims have lost their houses, properties and cattle, and are in distress. I have understood their problems.”

At the gruel centres, he spoke to the victims about the basic facilities at the centre. He also urged the victims to bring to the notice of the officials if they encounter any problems.

When a victim told the minister that they require a tub to keep all their clothes, the minister directed the DC to make an arrangement. To which, the DC said that cloth trunks have already been procured and will reach the centres by Sunday evening.

Victim Ramanna sought to know whether the gruel centre is safe. To which, the Minister said let us pray to nature God for our safety.

The minister distributed a cheque for Rs 10 lakh to the kin of government employee Basappa, who along with family members, was washed away following a landslide at Jodupala.

Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda visited the affected areas on Sunday and said that the centre will announce relief after getting a report from the state government.

He said that houses will be constructed to the victims under Pradhan Manthri Awas Yojana.