Rain toll in Karnataka rises to 17

The toll due to rains lashing parts of Karnataka in the past one week rose to 17 today with four more deaths reported today, revenue officials said.

The incessant rains have claimed 17 lives, with three deaths from Bidar and one from Belguam reported late today. Other areas where fatalities have been reported are: Bellary (4),Gulbarga (3) and one each in Dharwad, Shimoga, Tumkur, Koppal, Raichur and Bangalore, officials said.

As per preliminary estimates, total loss due to rains has been put at Rs180 crore including crops loss in 25,545 acres to the tune of Rs12.83 crore, the officials said.

The number of houses that have been damaged has risen to 7,798 including 3,562 in Bidar followed by Gadag (670) and Gulbarga (639).

Authorities in rain battered districts have been directed to be on alert to meet any situation,officials said.