1. Kodagu Fears 2018 Redux as Rain Triggers Flood, Landslides
Kodagu, the land of coffee and spices, relived ghastly memories of the 2018 catastrophe as seven people perished in landslides on Friday – five in Madikeri and two in Virajpet. Two deaths from drowning were reported in Dakshina Kannada and one from Belagavi, taking the toll in the recent flooding in the state to 22.
The CM has announced Rs 5 lakh to next of kin of those killed in the floods and rain-related incidents. Kodagu bore the brunt as heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides that tore away patches of hills and toppled a bridge on Friday.
In Dakshina Kannada, a toddler fell into the Nethravathi while a youth was swept away while quarrying sand illegally. In worst-hit Belagavi, a 19-year-old girl was swept away in floodwaters in Koujalagi when she ventured out to wash clothes.
More than 1.3 lakh people have been rescued and evacuated in the region in a joint operation.
(Source: The Times of India)
Catch all the updates on the flood situation here here
2. Girl's Hand Severed as KSRTC Bus Topples
A 5-year-old girl's hand was severed while eight others including the driver and conductor sustained injuries after a KSRTC bus collided with the median built by BMRCL for its pillars on Mysore Road.
The accident happened in front of the Nexa showroom near the Bangalore University gate on Mysore Road around 8:30 am on Friday. The bus was en route to Kollegal from Bengaluru and had around 17 passengers in total, the police said. The driver alleged lost control of the vehicle after another vehicle suddenly came into his lane.
However, the police are yet to verify his claims. The bus went on to hit the metro median and toppled.
(Source: Deccan Herald)
3. Heavy to Extremely Heavy Rainfall Forecast in 7 Districts till Sunday Morning
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.
(Source: The News Minute)
4. Continuing Rain May Delay Cabinet Expansion
In the absence of a council of ministers, chief minister BS Yediyurappa has been huffing and puffing as he tours flood-affected villages in North Karnataka, monitoring rescue and relief operations. The strain appears to be taking a heavy toll on the septuagenarian, who was denied permission by the party brass in New Delhi to expand his cabinet. He was instead told to focus on flood relief.
Even senior BJP leaders are fuming over the delay in cabinet formation. Close confidants of the CM said he had planned to swear in 15 ministers by Independence Day, but the weather could put a spanner in his plans as rain is likely to intensify from Friday in Kodagu and surrounding districts.
(Source: The Times of India)
5. CCB Sleuths Arrest Goldsmith
CCB officials arrested a 28-year-old goldsmith for stamping hallmark symbol on gold valuables without a valid licence.
Based on a tip-off, a team of officials from the Fraud and Misappropriation squad of the CCB raided the RTN Testing and Hallmark centre in Nagarthpet and arrested Sudarshan Jain. Police also recovered 60 grams of 43 gold mangalsutras which ha been stamped with Hallmark seal. The accused confessed that he had been doing the illegal business for the past six months.
(Source: Deccan Herald)
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