'Above normal' rains in Karnataka this year, 133 people dead: Minister

NT Correspondent

Belagavi

Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda informed the Legislative Assembly on Friday that 133 people have died this year due to "above-normal" rains in the state. He also outlined the efforts to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions, noting that the state frequently faces natural disasters due to heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides. "The state has received 20 per cent above-normal rainfall this year, but it was uneven, with some areas receiving less rain. A total of 133 people have lost their lives due to rains and related incidents this year, and Rs 5 lakh compensation has been paid to the families of the deceased, totalling Rs 6.64 crore," Gowda said. Further, 714 livestock losses have been reported, with compensation of Rs 1.20 crore paid, he added.

"Kharif crops were damaged across nearly 1.6 lakh hectares, with Rs 94.94 crore in compensation paid. Meanwhile, Rabi crops on over 1.45 lakh hectares also suffered damage, and compensation of Rs 112.17 crore is being processed," he said. Additionally, 20,893 houses were damaged due to rains, including 3,200 that were completely destroyed, the minister said, adding, the government has paid Rs 82.20 crore as compensation.

Gowda said the total compensation for rain-related damages this year amounts to Rs 297 crore. Furthermore, as a measure to prevent landslides, six districts Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Kodagu, and Chikkamagaluru have been identified as "landslide-prone", with 863 gram panchayats flagged by the national geological survey.