Bengaluru: Madikeri district is witnessing one of its heaviest rains in history with multiple landslides and mudslides being reported from across the district. Several areas have been cut off leaving people stranded hampering relief works.

However, on the directions of deputy commissioner, the Civil Defence team resumed their rescue efforts on Friday dividing their teams into two – while one team stationed at Kushalnagar, the other team moved to Madikeri. The Civil Defence rescue team rescued 20 villagers who were stranded after a bridge collapsed at Haleri village, Suntikoppa Hobli.

The incessant rains proved a challenge to the teams to move forward. Yet, the teams braved the heavy rains and gushing water with a high current that was flowing from 15 ft height. The teams trekked 1.5 km carrying 400 kg-load equipment. After an arduous task, the team was successful in rescuing all the 20 people to safer locations.

At Chikkenduru near Madikeri that has been hit by a major landslide, the rescue team reached to clear the highway, as its the only highway available for vehicle movement. It is reported that as the rescue teams were clearing the highway, another major landslide occurred.

The team members miraculously escaped from being buried under the mud. Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha was present during the rescue operations work. He has been constantly monitoring the situation in the district.

SOURCE : http://www.bfirst.in/category/state/rescue-team-rescues-people-stranded-after-bridge-collapsed-near-madikeri-509443