Hubballi Deputy Commissioner Snehal R has warned that the Bennehalla and Thupparihalla streams in the district carry a larger volume of water during the rainy season, leading to heavy overflow and flash floods in approximately 56 villages. She noted that low-lying areas of Hubballi and Dharwad cities are also prone to flooding, emphasizing the need to create public awareness about flood risks.
Mock Drill at Unkal Lake
Speaking at a mock drill program on flood precautions organized by the Dharwad District Disaster Management Authority, Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation, and the fire and emergency services department at Unkal Lake on Thursday, the DC stated that 56 villages are vulnerable to flooding from these streams. She highlighted that more than 8,000 people and over 3,000 cattle could be affected. In response, 71 care centers and six locations for goshalas have been identified. Gram Panchayat Disaster Management Committees have been formed in 35 gram panchayats.
Objectives of the Mock Drill
The DC informed that the main objectives of the mock drill were to assess the condition of people, livestock protection, and rescue equipment in case of a flood, as well as to prepare and educate the public about flood safety. She advised children to stay away from water bodies, noting that three students had drowned in lakes in the district in the past 15 days.
Venkatesh Bulla, disaster management officer, said that as a flood precaution, rescue teams, four boats, 50 life jackets, 60 lifebuoys, and 150 raincoats have been prepared. He assured that necessary steps would be taken to evacuate people to safer places if floods occur.
Demonstrations and Presentations
Fire brigade personnel conducted a mock demonstration of rescuing a drowning person. Dr. Neela Kashinkunti and Dr. Anisha provided a presentation on first aid after rescuing a drowning person. The event was attended by SP Dharwad Gunjan Arya, DCP (law and order) Shruti NS, district health officer Dr. Parusharam, and others.
