Mumbai, 26 July (HS): More than 159 houses in Kolhapur
district were damaged, over 160 villages were isolated and 40 roads were closed
for vehicular traffic in the district. Even urban areas were inundated. Life in Kolhapur’s urban area came to a grinding halt following heavy rains and
flood in the Panchganga River. More than 5,000 people were shifted to safer
locations.
The water level of the Panchganga River has been increasing by about 3
inches every hour since Friday morning following heavy rains. On Thursday at 9
pm the river’s water level was at 43 feet 6 inches, which increased by 1 foot
and 4 inches in 12 hours. About 95 small dams and weirs in the district were
under water. Commercial activities were highly affected as shopkeepers faced
heavy losses due to flooding.
Eleven State Highways and 29 major roads in the district
were closed. Even the railway tracks are underwater compelling cancellation or
delays in train traffic on several routes. According to local authorities public
properties worth Rs 1.70 lakh were damaged during the last 24 hours. Besides
this 179 private properties faced damage worth Rs 72 lakhs.
District Collector Amol Yedge has appealed to the people to
shift to safe places as soon as possible. He also reviewed the rescue
operations in the district.
Hindusthan Samachar
Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar / Manoj Kumar Tayal