DEATH TOLL IN KODAGU - 4, INCREASE IN RAIN DAMAGE;

Madikeri July 5, 2007

Number of rain related death has risen to four in Kodagu with the body of a laborer traced in a river yesterday.

The body of a labourer B.K.Anand, was found in Keerti River between Hettur and Bettadalli in Somwarpet taluk yesterday. The deceased was missing since June 25th. His wife told police that he had not returned to Bettadalli where they reside since 25th after he went to work at hettur. He had to cross Keerti River to reach Hettur and it is suspected that he was drowned while crossing.

Bettadalli, located at the foothills of Pushpagiri range, the second highest mountain in the district receives highest rainfall after Talacauvery. Two cows were also caught in the floods and died at Jakkanalli near Bettadalli.

Though the rainfall has reduced its pressure in many parts, Talacauvery and Pushpagiri areas are receiving unabated rainfall with gutsy winds. People living in these areas have complained that the district administration has not visited these places. They alleged that the roof of many houses flew away with the winds and lashing rains and houses have incurred loss. Streams and water falls are full and causing life and crop threat. Cardamom plantations in these areas are destroyed in rains.

Three houses at Napoklu have collapsed and a school well has caved in. Landslides are reported from all over the district. Karike road is totally blocked with trees falling from either side of the road. Stones have rolled down on to the roads and water streams are crossing the roads.

The district administration has released a latest report of rain damage yesterday and said that the total loss is rupees 29,27,98,000 in Kodagu.