Centre will extend full support to flood-hit Karnataka: Union Min Pralhad Joshi

Disaster

The Central government will also release additional funds for rehabilitation of the people after the rains subside, h said.

IANS

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 The Central government on Friday assured flood-hit Karnataka of all possible help in mitigating the hardships of its people reeling under the devastation caused by heavy monsoon rains, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters. "Of the Rs 200 crore the state government sought for relief management, the Centre has already released Rs 78 crore and the balance 128 crore will be released soon," Joshi said.  A three-time MP from Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency, Joshi visited the flood-hit areas in the state's northwest districts of Belagavi, Bangalkot and Huballi-Dharwad and interacted with the affected people. The state can also apply and avail an additional Rs 100 crore assistance from the Centre under the State Disaster Response Fund."There is no dearth of funds and resources to provide rescue and relief to the people of the state where 12 districts in coastal, central and northwest regions are affected by floods caused by heavy rains and gusty winds over a week," said Joshi. The Central government will also release additional funds for rehabilitation of the people after the rains subside.  The death toll in rain-related deaths increased to 15 from 9 in the state on Friday and 45,000 people have been shifted to relief camps and safer places from low-lying and submerged areas in the affected districts. The Centre has also flown in four companies of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the flood-hit districts of Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Uttar Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Shivamogga and Raichur. "Rescue and relief operations are being scaled up in the affected districts in view of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more heavy rains in the regions till August 11, an official told IANS in Bengaluru. The decision to scale up the operations was taken in New Delhi earlier on Friday at a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), chaired by Union Cabinet Secretary P.K. Sinha. The meeting was called to review the flood situations in Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The Met Department has predicted more rains in the southern and western regions of the country over the next two days.   

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How a group of eight locals rescued people stuck in flooded homes in Kodagu

Karnataka Floods

Around 50 residents of Kodagu's Goodugadde village were stranded in their flooded homes on Friday morning.

Theja Ram

Around 50 residents of Kodagu's Goodugadde village were stranded in their flooded homes on Friday morning, hoping that help would come before the river Cauvery would take away their lives.  Luckily for Goodugadde's residents, help came in the form of eight Good Samaritans, who ferried them to safe places through small iron-made coracles.  Mustafa, a 32-year-old activist from Kodagu, suspected that people were stranded in Goodugadde and other villages along the banks of the Cauvery river. Mustafa had heard from the local grapevine that many people had not left their homes despite a flood warning.  At around 6 am on Friday, Mustafa and his friends Ranjith Kumar, Afzal, Iliyas, Shafiq and four others from Siddapura, were anxious as the Dubbare Rafting Team was busy with rescue elsewhere.  Mustafa and his friends rushed to the Siddapura Police Station and requested the police to lend them the iron-made coracle lookalikes that the police had kept in the evidence room, which they had seized when they busted an illegal sand mining ring.  "We call it thappe in Kannada. They are circular, iron made vessels sand miners use to transport sand. It's smaller than a coracle but bigger than the round vessels used to carry sand in construction sites. We wanted those so we could row it and look for stranded people," Mustafa explains.  When the group reached Goodugadde, they found several senior citizens, children and middle aged people stranded in their flooded homes. Many were sitting on their rooftops, while some of them clung to trees, waiting for help.  "There were about 50 people. We began rescue at 7am and it went on till 11 am. We lost count of the number of trips we made to bring all of them to safety. They were sent to relief camps in Siddapura. By 12 pm, the Dubbare Rafting Team came to help us and we continued rescue operations in Baradi and Kakkattagadu villages," Ranjith Kumar says.  Mustafa, Ranjith and the team of local rescuers claim that they are experienced swimmers and that they had volunteered during rescue operations in the floods that hit Kodagu in 2018.  "We have lived along the banks of river Cauvery all our lives. We have a very close relationship with the river and swimming is the first thing we learnt as children. We are expert swimmers and if our skill could be put to use to help people in need, then it's our duty to help them. What is the point of being an expert at something and not helping those who could benefit from it?" Mustafa says.  Mustafa and his motley crew continue their rescue operations even now. "We will help as much as we can. Our people have seen too much damage due to rains and floods. Currently, we are going back and forth Goodugadde and recovering their belongings," Mustafa adds.

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Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall forecast in 7 Karnataka districts till Sunday morning

Weather

Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga will see extremely heavy rainfall in isolated places, warned IMD.

Soumya Chatterjee

The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of more rainfall in the state of Karnataka over the next five days beginning Friday as many parts of the state are reeling under floods. In its forecast issued on Friday, the IMD said there will be isolated heavy rainfall to extremely heavy rainfall in seven districts until Sunday morning. For the three coastal districts, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Udupi, the Met Department has warned of scattered heavy rainfall to very heavy rainfall with isolated places having extremely heavy rainfall for Friday and Saturday (August 10). While Sunday will see heavy to very heavy rainfall in these three districts, Monday and Tuesday will witness heavy rainfall. According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is between 64.5-115.5 mm, very heavy rainfall is 115.5mm- 204.4 mm, extremely heavy rainfall is excess rainfall of 204.5 mm. In north Karnataka’s Belagavi, which is the worst affected district, IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall until 8.30am on Sunday. Thereafter, the rains are expected to subsite to light to moderate intensity. For Dharwad and Haveri districts, there is a warning for heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday. In Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Shivamogga of the Malnad region, IMD warns of scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall from Friday until 8.30am on Sunday.  Heavy rainfall is predicted till 8.30am on Wednesday.  For Hassan district, there is warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday. From Sunday until Wednesday morning, heavy rainfall is forecast. While Mysuru district will see heavy to very heavy rainfall on Friday, and heavy rainfall on Saturday, the rains subside thereafter. IMD forecasts heavy rains until Sunday morning in Mandya.   Due to rainfall in the entire Cauvery catchment area, many tributaries are in spate and there is fear of them flooding its bank. The Lakshman Tirtha river which originates from Virajpet in Kodagu has flooded its bank in 80 years. Since Wayanad is flooded, Kabini dam is getting heavy inflows as well. Fishermen have been advised not to venture out in the sea.    There has been extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of the state in the last 24 hours, According to the IMD, Bhagamandala ( Kodagu) received 400 mm , Yellapur ( Uttara Kannada) received 300 mm, Hunchadakatte ( Shivamogga) received 290 mm, Virajpet ( Kodagu), Kalasa ( Chikkamagaluru) received 270 mm each, Ponnampet ( Kodagu) received 260 mm, Sargur ( Mysuru) received 230 mm, Mudigere ( Chikkamagaluru) received 220 mm, Sringeri ( Chikkamagaluru) received 210 mm.

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Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall forecast in 7 Karnataka districts till Sunday morning

Weather

Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga will see extremely heavy rainfall in isolated places, warned IMD.

Soumya Chatterjee

The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of more rainfall in the state of Karnataka over the next five days beginning Friday as many parts of the state are reeling under floods. In its forecast issued on Friday, the IMD said there will be isolated heavy rainfall to extremely heavy rainfall in seven districts until Sunday morning. For the three coastal districts, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Udupi, the Met Department has warned of scattered heavy rainfall to very heavy rainfall with isolated places having extremely heavy rainfall for Friday and Saturday (August 10). While Sunday will see heavy to very heavy rainfall in these three districts, Monday and Tuesday will witness heavy rainfall. According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is between 64.5-115.5 mm, very heavy rainfall is 115.5mm- 204.4 mm, extremely heavy rainfall is excess rainfall of 204.5 mm. In north Karnataka’s Belagavi, which is the worst affected district, IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall until 8.30am on Sunday. Thereafter, the rains are expected to subsite to light to moderate intensity. For Dharwad and Haveri districts, there is a warning for heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday. In Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Shivamogga of the Malnad region, IMD warns of scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall from Friday until 8.30am on Sunday.  Heavy rainfall is predicted till 8.30am on Wednesday.  For Hassan district, there is warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday. From Sunday until Wednesday morning, heavy rainfall is forecast. While Mysuru district will see heavy to very heavy rainfall on Friday, and heavy rainfall on Saturday, the rains subside thereafter. IMD forecasts heavy rains until Sunday morning in Mandya.   Due to rainfall in the entire Cauvery catchment area, many tributaries are in spate and there is fear of them flooding its bank. The Lakshman Tirtha river which originates from Virajpet in Kodagu has flooded its bank in 80 years. Since Wayanad is flooded, Kabini dam is getting heavy inflows as well. Fishermen have been advised not to venture out in the sea.    There has been extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of the state in the last 24 hours, According to the IMD, Bhagamandala ( Kodagu) received 400 mm , Yellapur ( Uttara Kannada) received 300 mm, Hunchadakatte ( Shivamogga) received 290 mm, Virajpet ( Kodagu), Kalasa ( Chikkamagaluru) received 270 mm each, Ponnampet ( Kodagu) received 260 mm, Sargur ( Mysuru) received 230 mm, Mudigere ( Chikkamagaluru) received 220 mm, Sringeri ( Chikkamagaluru) received 210 mm.

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Indian firm MedGenome finds a way to detect multi-drug resistant strain of TB

Health

Using ‘SPIT SEQ’, a Whole Genome Sequencing based test, doctors can now obtain a detailed analysis of the mutations which are present in a tuberculosis bacteria.

TNM Staff

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Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis is a serious public health threat in India. Often, it takes months before doctors are even able to pick up on the fact that an individual with the infection has been afflicted with a multi-drug resistant strain. Researchers at MedGenome Lab, based out of Bommasandra in Bengaluru, have come up with a groundbreaking technique which will allow for drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis to be detected. Using ‘SPIT SEQ’, a Whole Genome Sequencing based test, doctors can now obtain a detailed analysis of the mutations which are present in a tuberculosis bacteria. Drug resistance can also be detected which will allow doctors to prescribe an individual the medicine which will treat their particular strain rather than spend a month attempting treatment via trial and error, to discover which medication can be used in a particular individual. “SPIT SEQ is a massive breakthrough that can help millions. This particular test not only brings accurate results but also saves a lot of time where TB treatment is concerned. In line with India’s objective to counter TB effectively and quickly, we aim to benefit the last person living with TB today”, said Dr VL Ramprasad, COO, MedGenome Labs. With this technology, doctors can simply test an individual’s samples to determine what medication would work most effectively to treat the person. “Direct Whole Genome Sequencing reveals information on drug resistance mutations for all anti TB drugs in a matter of 10 days. Soon, this technology will help in optimising the precise management of an MDR-TB patient,” stated Dr Camilla Rodriques, P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, to the media. In March 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that India would eradicate tuberculosis by the year 2025. However, several health experts have noted that given the high rate of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the country, this will not be easy to achieve. 

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Karnataka floods: 4 killed in landslide in Kodagu, several roads in district cut off

Karnataka floods 2019

According to Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy, 14 landslides occurred in the district on Friday.

Theja Ram

Four bodies have been recovered in Karnataka's Kodagu district after fresh landslides in the district. At around 12.45 pm on Friday, the rescue team that was deployed at Korangala near Bhagamandala in Kodagu found the bodies. According to Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, five people were feared trapped in the landslide and four bodies have been recovered so far. The NDRF and Fire and Emergency Services teams are still looking for the fifth person.  According to Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy, 14 landslides have occurred in Kodagu on Friday in Madikeri and Viraj Pet taluks, shutting off road connectivity. DC Annies Joy said that the roads to Gonikoppa and roads connecting Bagamandala-Madikeri, Bagamandala-Talacauvery, Bagamandala-Ayyangeri, Madikeri-Moorunadu, Gonikpaa-Palibetta, Gonkoppa-Ponnampet and Virajpet-Madikeri were shut due to landslides.  "The Betri bridge that is located between Virajpet and Madikeri is flooded. The bridge is 50-ft high and the water level in river Cauvery has risen so much that the bridge is under water. This is the first time the Betri bridge has been submerged due to floods. Rains have also flooded Bangandeshwara Temple in Bagamandala," DC Annies said. Also read: Karnataka floods 2019: Here's how you can contribute to relief, rehabilitation The road between Kushalnagar and Madikeri was also shut as the Tavarakere Lake located between the two areas flooded the road and cut off connectivity.  In Bagamandala and Kushalnagar, the villages located on the banks of River Cauvery have been completely submerged. DC Annies said that the flood washed away around 5,000 homes in Kondangeri, Murnad, Guyya, Koodugadde, Bettadakadu, Karadigodu, Baradi, Ayyangeri and other smaller villages along the banks of the Cauvery.  "Over 10,000 houses were completely submerged. Many people had already left their homes but around 5,000 people were still there. They were rescued by the NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services and the locals on Friday," she added.  Eight deaths have been reported in Belagavi district since Sunday and two other deaths in Uttara Kannada district. So far, 1,24,291 people have been evacuated.  On Thursday, the Dakshina Kannada district administration declared a holiday on Friday for schools and colleges in the district. Holidays have also been declared in Udupi, Shivamogga and Kodagu districts and Malnad region of Karnataka due to intense flooding. More than 90,000 people have been shifted to the 467 relief camps opened in eight districts. Also read: Karnataka 2019 floods live updates: 1,24,291 persons evacuated, 272 camps set up

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Rescue and relief ops continue in Karnataka: 25 people stranded in Belagavi airlifted

Disaster

More than 1.5 lakh people have been evacuated from low-lying areas and about 90,000 people have been shifted to the 467 relief camps opened in eight districts.

TNM Staff

As rains and the resultant floods continue to wreak havoc in Karnataka, the Indian Air Force was called in to airlift people from flooded localities in north Karnataka’s Belagavi, the worst affected district in the state. Two Mi-17 helicopters and one Chetak helicopter were deployed for the flood relief operations by the Indian Air Force. A total of 25 people have been rescued via winching from four different locations – Roggi, Halolli, Udagatti and Girdle. “The critical winch operation was carried out to rescue people even from tree tops. An approximate 475 food packets along with drinking water was dropped in affected areas. Full scale flood relief operations are expected to continue,” IAF said in a statement. In other parts of the state, 19 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 2 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and 11 columns of Army have been deployed to rescue people. More than 1.5 lakh people have been evacuated from low-lying areas. More than 90,000 people have been shifted to the 467 relief camps opened in eight districts. Officials of the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy are also positioned in the flood affected areas. Also read: No flood warning given to us: Uttara Kannada residents slam govt for loss of property CM BS Yediyurappa had once again carried out an aerial survey of the flood-hit regions on Friday morning. Also read: 3 dead, including 18-month-old child, amidst severe flooding in coastal Karnataka Schools and colleges have been closed as a preventive measures in the affected districts. The state government has officially declared that nine people have died as a result of the floods even as reports of many missing emerge. Meanwhile, KSRTC has cancelled all buses to Kozhikode, Kannur, Mahe, Vadakara, Kanhangad and Horanadu due to the heavy rains and road damage. Train services have stalled in parts of coastal and north Karnataka as tracks are submerged underwater. Weathermen have said that the situation in coastal and central Karnataka will remain grim for the next three to four days while rain will subside in north Karnataka. 

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