Flood mock drill held at Ullal Lake to bolster disaster preparedness

Hubballi: DC Snehal R said the Bennehalla and Thupparihalla streams in the district flow at a larger volume, leading to heavy overflow during the rainy season and causing flash floods in about 56 villages. She said flooding occurred in some low-lying areas of Hubballi and Dharwad cities, and there was a need to create awareness among the public about floods.Speaking at a mock drill programme on flood precautions organised by the Dharwad District Disaster Management Authority, Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation and the department of fire and emergency services at Unkal Lake, Hubballi, on Thursday, the DC said 56 villages are vulnerable to flooding from Bennehalla and Thupparihalla.She said more than 8,000 people and more than 3,000 cattle might be affected by the flood. She said 71 care centres and six places have been identified to open a goshala. Gram Panchayat Disaster Management Committees have been formed in 35 gram panchayats and the main objectives of the mock drill were to check the condition of people and livestock protection and rescue equipment in case of a flood, to prepare and to create awareness among the public about floods, DC informed.She said children should not go to places where there is water. She said already in the last 15 days, three students drowned in lakes in the district and schoolchildren should stay away from water.Venkatesh Bulla, disaster management officer, said as a flood precaution, rescue teams and four boats, 50 life jackets, 60 lifebuoys and 150 raincoats were prepared in the district. He said necessary steps would be taken to evacuate people to safer places in case of floods.Fire brigade personnel presented a mock demonstration of rescuing a drowning person. Dr Neela Kashinkunti and Dr Anisha gave a presentation on how to provide first aid after rescuing a drowning person.SP Dharwad Gunjan Arya, DCP (law and order) Shruti NS, district health officer Dr Parusharam and others were present.