Hundreds stranded atop hillocks in rain-hit Kodagu

As many as 200 people are stranded atop a hillock at Makkanduru in the district following floods in the streams in the areas. These streams feed water for the Harangi reservoir.

Rescue teams are not able to reach the place due to rising water levels. Families living atop Tanthipala village are also stuck and are waiting for help from the authorities.

Personnel of the fire and emergency services managed to bring 20 people to safety. However, it has not been possible to help ntwo people stuck in soil.

Another 200 people have been stranded Kandanakolli Haleri near Kandakal. Two army helicopters meant to help the affected could not reach the spot due to inclement weather.

It is said that hillocks are giving way due to the wet conditions.

Thirty members of the National Disaster Relief Force are finding it difficult to begin rescue operations.

Roads connecting Bhagamandala, Napoklu, Ayyangeri and other places have been completely inundated. Almost half of Kushalnagar has gone under water and the main bridge in the valley faces the threat of collapsing.

Minister H D Revanna said three battalions of the army would be pressed into service for rescue operations on Friday. He said 10 gruel centres would be opened in the district. Soil would be cleared from highways to restore traffic, the minister said.

The state government has requested Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the services of the Indian Air Force to evacuate stranded people in Makkanduru, which is totally cut off from land, Revenue department principal secretary (disaster management) Gangaram Baderiya said in Bengaluru.