Hanagodu: Widespread rains around the villages of Nagarahole National Park in Mysuru and Kodagu districts since the last couple of days have brought untold misery for the people. Lakes and ponds have breached and the existing bad roads have turned worse.

Hanagodu and Panchavalli near Hunsur were the epicentres of the rain and widespread destruction has been reported from the areas surrounding those places.

Lakes including Kunteri Kere, Annegere, Savalayyakere, Madayyanakatte, Doddakatte of Hanagodu village have been breached and have destroyed the standing crops of paddy, jowar, banana, arecanut and ragi.

This apart, B.R. Kaval Road, Neralakuppe, Hemmige, Kamagowdanahalli and Koluvige Roads have been washed away and mud and loose sand have been deposited on the roads. Channayyanakere at Panchavalli near Panchavalli Government PU College has been breached and the road leading to the college has been submerged.

A cow died after lightning struck the animal at Kalabhoochanahalli in the Hunsur taluk while a few houses were damaged. Some houses collapsed at Madhugiri Koppal, Marulaiahanakoppal and Agrahara in Hunsur taluk. However, no casualties were reported.

The Lakshmanatheertha that originates in Kodagu district and flows into Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam has assumed minatory proportions. Paddy fields have been inundated, roads have been submerged, and villages have been marooned in the southern parts of Kodagu district.

Villagers including Nittoor, Mallur in Kodagu have been cut off from other areas. Residents have abandoned farming until the water recedes completely. This happens every year and they have only a small route along the forests to go to Nittoor, the nearby town.

Kumbarakatte, Paladallakatte, and tribal colonies such as Tattekere, Jagale and surrounding areas are badly hit as a vast area of paddy fields are submerged in the river. It resembles a muddy sea.

Heavy rain in Birunani, Kutta, and Srimangala in the last two days has led to a heavy inflow into the Lakshmanatheertha and many areas are flooded.

Helpline launched in Mysuru

The District Administration and Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) have launched a 24-hour helpline as heavy rains are predicted in the next couple of days. The residents of the city can contact Ph: 0821-2440890 and rural people can call 0821-2423800. The people can also ask for help by dialling the toll free number 1077.