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