Yadgir district has been grappling with relentless rainfall over the past few days, leading to significant water surges in both the Bhima and Krishna rivers. The Bhima, in particular, has overflowed its banks, submerging numerous villages and triggering widespread disruption.
Official reports confirm that road access to 24 villages has been completely cut off due to bridges and bridge-cum-barrages disappearing beneath the rising Bhima waters.
The floods have left a trail of destruction, damaging 104 houses and devastating standing crops across an alarming 1.18 lakh hectares.
In response to the escalating crisis, the district administration has proactively moved 1,360 members belonging to 445 families from these affected areas into dedicated care centers. Here, they are being provided essential amenities including food, clean drinking water, and other necessary support.
Deputy Commissioner Harshal Bhoyar issued a press note, confirming the establishment of these care centers specifically for residents of the vulnerable riverbank villages.
The breakdown of evacuated residents includes 150 individuals from 50 families in Hurasgundagi village, 250 from 65 families in Roja S. Sirwal village, 300 from 80 families in Shivanur village, 200 from 100 families in Naikal village, and 460 from 150 families in Machanur village, as detailed by Mr. Bhoyar.
Tragically, the heavy rains have also claimed the lives of 22 sheep and goats. Mr. Bhoyar further added that a joint survey is currently underway to accurately assess the extent of crop damage, with officials also visiting damaged homes to evaluate the losses.
The district has experienced an astonishing 122% excess rainfall compared to its average. Between September 22 and 28, Yadgir recorded 51 mm of rain, significantly higher than the usual 42 mm for this period.
Villages now isolated due to severed road connectivity include: Roja S. Sirwal, Shivanur, Joldadagi, Kumanur, Arjunagi, Lingeri, Malhar, Thanagundi, Hedagimadri, Anur (K), Anur (B), Bilhar, Budihal, Koulur, Hegganagera, Kotanur, Hosalli (K), Chatnalli, Babalad, Maramkal, Naikal, and Gundalli.
The Deputy Commissioner assured the public that a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has already arrived in the district to spearhead relief operations in the flood-stricken areas. He also mentioned that an additional care center would be established in Talak village following a thorough assessment of the local flood situation.