Karnataka rains: CM declares high alert in five districts

Bengaluru: With heavy rains expected in many parts of the state, Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy on Wednesday directed collectors of various districts to be on their toes to combat any untoward situation.

Out of 30 districts, as many as five districts namely, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga have been kept on high alert.

The Chief Minister also urged the concerned officials in the said districts to review the situation in their vicinities and update the authorities in case of emergency.

Torrential rains, which lashed the state on August 14 caused landslides and disrupted the normal life in the state.

Indian Metrological Department (IMD) has also predicted high-alert of heavy rainfall in the region in coming days.

In the neighbouring state of Kerala, 42 people lost their lives and around 17,000 people were displaced after their homes were washed away in the flash flood. The state has suffered an overall loss of Rs 8,316 crore.

ANI