JOIN USHeavy rains continued to lash several parts of Kodagu on Friday even as National Disaster Response Force and Fire and Emergency Services men and hundreds of volunteers are trying to rescue victims stranded at several places.
Incessant rains that have resulted in massive landslides — especially at Jodupala about 14 km from Madikeri — have left most of the streams and including the Cauvery, Lakshmanathirtha and Harangi Rivers, swollen.
Over 600 people are stranded in the hills in and around Makkandur, while over 400 people from Jodupal, are taking shelter at the government school at Cherambane.
The district administration is continuously working to bring them to safety. However, heavy floods and rains are affecting rescue operations.
Many people, whose houses are submerged, are approaching gruel centres.
The Indian Navy will launch helicopter services from Sunday to drop relief material and airlift victims stranded at several places.
"The helicopter will hover at prominent places and commence searches till the limits of endurance. It will also carry water and relief material," stated a communication from the Navy.
The Navy officers have requested victims to gather at a high point and light a fire or build smoke for easy identification. The officers have also requested them to wave coloured cloths to attract attention.
The swollen rivers submerging bridges, creating islands of hamlets and villages, and inundating houses and business establishments.