H.D. Kumaraswamy urges caution in Karnataka following deadly landslides in Kerala

Bengaluru: In the wake of a devastating landslides in the Wayanad region of neighbouring Kerala, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has called for immediate precautionary measures in Karnataka. He expressed shock over the incident and stressed the urgent need for vigilance in the state.

Kumaraswamy highlighted that Kodagu district in Karnataka is adjacent to the disaster-stricken Wayanad and emphasized that several districts in the state are in a high-risk situation due to heavy rains. He noted that red alerts have been issued in many areas, with warnings of more heavy rainfall. He shared his concerns on social media platform X, urging prompt action from the state government.

Kumaraswamy pointed out that continuous landslides have been occurring in districts like Kodagu, Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, and Dakshina Kannada. With heavy rains battering neighbouring states, large volumes of water are being released from dams, leading to significant inflows into Karnataka. Floodwaters have inundated hundreds of villages in many districts of North Karnataka, causing extensive crop damage.

Kumaraswamy emphasized the need for unity and support for the affected people during these challenging times.

Ministers and Officials Should Be Present in District Centers

Kumaraswamy advised that the government, ministers, legislators, and officials must stay close to the people and maintain direct contact with farmers to monitor the situation closely.

He stressed that natural disasters can strike at any moment, and it is crucial not to be complacent. He recommended that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should immediately instruct all in-charge ministers to stay in district centers. District commissioners, along with all officials and emergency personnel, should be on standby 24/7. Prompt action must be taken to evacuate people from danger zones to safe locations.