Victims fear loot of flood-ravaged homes

The ravaged Jodupala and nearby villages of Devarakolli and Monnangeri wear a deserted look as the residents have been evacuated following massive landslides and flash floods in the region.

The houses and shops are locked while cattle and pet dogs have been roaming the streets in search of their owners.

The police have placed barricades at Koinadu and entry is restricted further as a precautionary measure.

Several people from Monnangeri, Devarakolli and nearby areas in the vicinity of Devarakolli were seen requesting police personnel to allow them to visit their houses to look at the situation there. The police had a hard time in convincing the people about the possibility of further landslides in the region.

Chamundeshwari Temple, Devarakolli president Kunjiraman and his wife Sunitha said, “Prayers have not been offered in the temple for the last three days. Also, books and certificates of children are back at home. My children want to go to school. However, we do not have any study material with us.”

Sheshappa Naik said that his family has left everything behind. All important documents and valuables are back at home. Now the family members fear about the valuables being looted by thieves.

Sullia SI Madhava Koodlu said that about four people are believed to be stranded in Kammadi estate and NDRF personnel and fire and emergency service personnel have been deployed in the spot.

Chandrashekhar from Monnangeri said that the entire village has been washed away.

People from Devrakolli and Monnangeri, situated close to Jodupala, expressed their concern about their livestock and important documents which they have left behind. After availing permission, some people transported their cattle with the help of pick up vehicles.

Of the 282 flood victims who were sheltered in Thekkila relief centre, 79 have moved to their relatives houses, industrial extension Officer Veerappa Gowda said.

There are two more relief centres in Kallugundi and Sampaje.

There are 46 schoolchildren in Thekkila centre, who were studying at schools from Jodupala, Madenadu and Devarakolli. Vimala from Jodupala said that road connectivity has been cut to her village in Kadematte.

Huge trees have got stuck under the Koinadu bridge across Payaswini River near Sampaje.

Volunteers are clearing the weeds and trees from the water.