FLASH FLOOD SWEEPS A JEEP, BULLOCKS ELECTROCUTED

While flash floods in Balele swept away a running jeep, two bullocks were electrocuted yesterday as a result of the unabated rainfall in Kodagu.

The jeep was swept away by the flash floods gushing on the road at Balele, as the jeep driver ventured to dare it. Driver Chengappa and a laborer were thrown at a distance while the jeep remained fused to a ditch. The onlookers rushed to their rescue and saved their lives. Flash floods in South Kodagu are threatening the vehicle owners as water is over flowing in many low lying bridges and roads. The temporary bridges built by the villager to cross small streams have also submerged forcing them to remain inside their houses.

The main roads in south kodagu wear a battered look as lines of trees, mainly silver, electric poles , pepper wines , green leaves and tree branches are all spread throughout.

Electricity will take minimum fifteen to thirty days for restoration, according to officials.

Banana and coffee plantation along with pepper and orange suffer huge loss. Added to this herds of elephants are creating panic in some parts and a complaint was lodged with the range forest officer to curb the menace by Srimangala residents.

A pair of bullocks being taken for ploughing the paddy field in a village near Madapur was electrocuted. The bullocks stepped on a fallen, live electric wire and fell dead on the spot. The person accompanying them jumped to safety.

Bank transactions are hit in many towns as the computers and ATM machines are going standstill due to continues failure of electricity.

Tahasildars at Madikeri and Virajpet have distributed compensation to few victims whose houses have partially collapses. People at Madapur staged a rasta roko to protest against the KPTCL for their inefficiency. The district youth congress has also warned of staging a protest alleging irresponsible attitude by them. They have said that the officials failed to prepare themselves to combat the situation well in advance. MLA Mr.K.G.Bopaiah will be visiting the flood hit areas at Madikeri on 19th.

However, the rainfall seems to have lost its force today.