India – 5 Missing After Floods and Landslides in Karnataka; Torrential Rain Floods Mumbai

by in Asia, News

Heavy rain in western India has caused flooding and landslides, with at least 5 people reported missing. Further heavy rain is expected until around 10 August.

Karnataka

India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is carrying out a search operation for 5 people missing after heavy rain triggered flooding and landslides in the state of Karnataka.

A massive landslide along with flash floods struck in Bramhagiri Hills in Talacauvery, Coorg (also known as Kodagu) district, on 06 August 2020. At least 2 houses were destroyed and 5 people are missing.

Nearby Bhagamandala, also in Kodagu district, recorded 486 mm of rain in the 24 hours to 06 August, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Several rivers have broken their banks in the state, with flooding reported in Hubli, Dharwad, Belgavi districts. Some flooding was also reported in the coastal districts of Udupi, Mangalore, and Karwar.

According to state officials, 375 homes across the state have been damaged due to rains and floods, with 262 displaced and staying in 12 relief centres.

Mumbai and Maharashtra

Meanwhile heavy rain fall from 04 August affected parts of Mumbai and the surrounding state of Maharashtra.

Colaba in the south of Mumbai saw 331.20 mm of rain in 24 hours to 06 August, according to IMD. This is the highest 24 hour total for an August day since 1974.

On 05 August, Mumbai Police requested residents to “stay indoors and not venture out unless it’s extremely essential. Practice all necessary precautions and do not venture out near the shore or water logged areas.”

NDRF teams were called on to rescue passengers from trains stranded in the flooding. As of 05 August, NDRF reported they had rescued all 55 stranded passengers.

Sixteen NDRF units have also been deployed throughout the surrounding state of Maharashtra in anticipation of further flooding after heavy rain in the state.

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