Karnataka Govt Evacuates 300 Families in Kodagu, Opens Relief Centers Amid Landslide Threat

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has submitted a report identifying 104 landslide-prone areas in Kodagu, endangering approximately 2,995 families.

Madikeri: In response to the recent landslide disaster in Wayanad, Kerala, which claimed over 300 lives, the Karnataka government has proactively relocated nearly 300 families to safety and established 10 relief centers in the Kodagu district, also known as Coorg.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has submitted a report identifying 104 landslide-prone areas in Kodagu, endangering approximately 2,995 families. The TOI, reported that Madikeri and Kushalnagar taluks each have 40 identified landslide-prone areas, while Virajpet-Ponnampet and Somwarpet taluks have 13 and 11 such areas, respectively.

Kodagu has experienced 24% more rainfall than usual this season, with forecasts predicting continued heavy rain throughout August. Given the heightened risk, the government has prioritized evacuating vulnerable residents to safe locations.

The district administration is on high alert due to past experiences. In August 2018 and 2019, Kodagu faced severe tragedies due to heavy monsoons. The GSI's report has highlighted disaster-prone regions within the district, prompting authorities to identify and notify families needing relocation. Additionally, they have pinpointed suitable locations for establishing relief centers, ensuring they are close to affected areas but situated out of harm's way.

The tragic events of August 2018 serve as a stark reminder of the district's vulnerability. Between August 10 and 17, 2018, torrential rains triggered multiple landslides, resulting in the deaths of 20 people, the destruction of 4,056 homes, and the evacuation of 18,000 residents. This disaster marked Kodagu's first major landslide-related calamity and underscored the region's susceptibility to such natural events.

With the monsoon season bringing 24% more rainfall than usual, the district remains under a severe threat of landslides. The government's preemptive measures aim to mitigate potential damage and ensure the safety of its residents.

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