By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

The number of villages affected by the overflowing Bhima river in Kalaburagi district in Karnataka rose to 85 on September 28. Continuous rainfall and large inflows from neighbouring Maharashtra are contributing to flooding.

Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, who is leading the rescue and relief operations on the ground, said that 53 relief centres have been opened and 6,664 people have been rescued.

“Rescue operations have covered all affected taluks — Afzalpur, Jewargi, Kalaburagi, Chittapur, Chincholi, Sedam, Kalagi and Shahabad. A total of 3,050 men, 2,270 women, and 1,344 children have been shifted to nearby relief centres, where they are being provided food, essential facilities, and regular check-ups by the Health Department,” she said.

As rain is forecast in the coming days, the outflow from Sonna and Bennetora barrages is expected to increase.

To assist with rescue operations, a 20-member NDRF team has been stationed at Wadi in Chittapur taluk, and an SDRF team is deployed at Mannur in Afzalpur taluk. Police, Home Guard and the Fire and Emergency Services are on standby across flood-hit areas, participating actively in relief operations.

“To strengthen flood management, 39 officials have been appointed as nodal officers at rescue and relief centres in the affected areas. Precautionary measures are being taken to prevent human and animal casualties,” Ms. Taranum added.

Floodwaters have damaged roads and submerged several bridges, disrupting transportation. The police have been instructed to make alternative arrangements to ensure smooth movement of vehicles. Continuous rainfall has raised the risk of houses collapsing, and residents are being urged to remain cautious.

“People should not panic. The district administration is working round-the-clock to ensure the safety of citizens,” Ms. Taranum said.

Authorities have issued strict warnings against venturing into rivers. Swimming, risky stunts, washing clothes, grazing livestock, or fishing in rivers is strictly prohibited. Residents have been advised to avoid bridges, riverbanks, temples, mosques, and other prayer sites along the river, and refrain from taking selfies or photographs in dangerous locations.

For emergency assistance, the district and taluk-level helplines have been activated. People are urged to contact these numbers in case of an emergency. Key contact numbers include the

District Disaster Management Centre at 08472-278677 or 1077

Kalaburagi Municipal Corporation 08472-241364 or 6363544601

Helplines for Aland, Afzalpur, Chittapur, Chincholi, Kalagi, Kamalapur, Jevargi, Yadrami, Shahabad, and Sedam taluks

Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board Chairman Ajay Singh, Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman B.R. Patil and other leaders toured affected areas in their respective constituencies on September 28.

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and district in-charge Priyank Kharge said that he briefed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of the flood situation in the district. He said that urgent relief measures have been communicated to the affected villages, and the Chief Minister is expected to visit the district at the earliest.