Shivamogga: People in a few residential areas of Shivamogga city were shifted to safer ground after water from an overflowing Tunga river flooded the localities on Friday.
The people of Shantamma Layout and Kumbargundi were shifted to safer ground in boats by the police and fire force and emergency services helped by the city corporation staff and five relief centres have been opened to accommodate the 1,200 evacuees at Ramanna Shresti Park, Imambaada, Bapuji Nagar, Tipu Nagar and Gudekal, where they were served a meal Friday afternoon. Around 2,000 kits of rice, edible oil and tur dal will be distributed to the people in waterlogged areas, according to Shivamogga city corporation commissioner, Charulatha Somal .
The water level of the Tunga had risen to about 28 ft. over the last four days, far in excess of the 24 ft it usually reached during the rains at this time of the year, leading to flooding of the nearby residential areas, she explained. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Ms Somal, however, said the situation was under control and both men and machinery were on standby to rush to the rescue of people if more residential areas were flooded. "The situation in the river Tunga is being monitored every hour," she assured.
Meanwhile, the mayor and deputy mayor have decided to pay compensation to those whose houses have been damaged in the floods. While those whose houses have been partially damaged will receive Rs 10,000 each, those whose houses have been fully damaged houses will get Rs 25,000 each, going by Ms Somal. "Beneficiaries will be given the amount in a couple of days,” she added.
