Rain across Karnataka; relief for Kerala

Heavy rain lashed coastal and Malnad districts of Karnataka on Sunday, causing rivers to overflow and creating flood-like situation in villages and towns.

Meanwhile in Kerala, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced Rs 100 crore as immediate central relief, terming the flood situation in the state as something never witnessed since Independence.

The minister made an aerial survey of affected areas in Idukki and Ernakulam districts. “Kerala is facing an unprecedented flood situation,” he said.

The water level in Idukki dam continued to drop steadily, easing concerns in downstream areas. Kerala has so far received 20.5% excess rainfall.

Heavy rain coupled with gusty wind lashed Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts on Sunday. The inflow to Harangi reservoir went up following incessant rain in Somwarpet and Madapura. The rain also pushed up water level in rivers Cauvery and Lakshmanatheertha.

Rain coupled with gusty winds and lightning intensified in Mangaluru on Sunday.

The Mysuru-Ooty National Highway in Nanjangud continued to be under water.

Nearly 400 people were evacuated and lodged in Namakkal and Erode districts in Tamil Nadu after water released from Stanley reservoir in Mettur inundated homes.

Two fishing boats from Malpe capsized between Gangolli and Bhatkal on Saturday. All the 16 fishermen were rescued.