Deadly floods hit the Indian state of Karnataka, tourists’ bookings canceled
At least 12 people have been killed and over 4 300 rescued in Karnataka's district of Kodagu, on the border with Kerala, since August 15, 2018.
Heavy rains started affecting the region on August 14 and intensified on August 15, forcing authorities to issue heavy rainfall warning for the districts of Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga.
The worst affected is Kodagu, where a total of 845 houses have been damaged, out of which 773 partially. The storm also damaged 123 km (76 miles) of roads, 58 bridges, 278 government buildings and 3 800 electric poles, as of August 20.
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said 4 320 people have been rescued as of 10:00 local time today. In total, 1 725 specially trained experts have been deployed in rescue operations.
CM said the district is receiving an adequate supply of drinking water and milk and action has been initiated to reach groceries and other essential commodities for 50 000 families.
All bookings made by tourists in the district have been canceled until the end of August.
Several tourists were stuck in resorts and hotels, authorities said, adding that the measure to cancel all bookings has been taken for the safety of tourists.
Featured image: Rescue operations in Kodagu, Karnataka – August 2018. Credit: TOI
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