Rains leave 119 dead, damage Rs 2,724 cr property in K'taka

Says from June 1 to September 18 this year, Karnataka recorded rainfall of 888 mm, 17 per cent more than its normal 758 mm

As many as 119 people have lost their lives in Karnataka in rain-related incidents, which have also led to damages estimated Rs 2,724.37 crore this year, chief minister Siddaramaiah said today.

In his meeting here with inter-ministerial central team on floods which toured rain-hit parts of the state, he said from June 1 to September 18 this year, Karnataka recorded rainfall of 888 mm, 17 per cent more than its normal 758 mm. Eight districts received more than 40 per cent average rainfall, four received 30-40 per cent more and five received 20-30 per cent more.

In his memorandum to the team, he said 119 human lives had been lost since April 2013 and 11,536 houses damaged; 1,33,572 hectare agriculture crops damaged at an estimated loss of 320.03 crore, and 1,16,024 ha horticulture crops damaged at an estimated loss of Rs 1846.44 crore.

It also mentioned about damage to roads, bridges and culverts, irrigation tanks, minor irrigation works, water supply schemes, transformers and electrical supply lines. The chief minister listed the steps taken by his government to meet the situation, such as ex-gratia payments to the affected, compensation and other relief activities. "(Total) estimated losses due to heavy rain, floods and inundation are Rs 2,724.37 crore", the memorandum, prepared in consultation with various departments, said.