Monsoon death toll hits 58 while excess rain damages 80 000 ha (198 000 acres) of crops in Karnataka, India

With 58 fatalities and crop damage across 80 000 ha (198 000 acres) of agricultural land, Karnataka is experiencing above-average monsoon rains in 2024. In some regions, rainfall has exceeded the averages by 24 – 28%, and the situation may worsen as heavy rains are forecasted to resume from August 16, 2024.

Karnataka has recorded 58 deaths due to “above normal” rains, which have caused extensive crop damage during this year’s monsoon, according to Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.

A total of 78 679 ha (194 396 acres) of agricultural land has been damaged statewide and horticultural crops on 2 294 ha (5 670 acres).

In total, 1 201 houses have completely collapsed this season, including 75 unauthorized. Additionally, 1 176 houses have suffered severe damage, and 2 338 houses have been partially damaged. Overall, 8 000 houses have been affected, Gowda said.

Gowda acknowledged that the government’s preventive measures have helped reduce the number of casualties this year compared to previous years. “Sixty-seven people had lost their lives by this time in 2019, and 75 people had died during the monsoon season in 2022. This year, 58 people have lost their lives,” he stated.

The state government has promised compensation for affected farmers and homeowners, with Rs 9.21 crore (approximately $1.1 million) already paid out. The compensation includes provisions for those with unauthorized houses, with up to Rs 1 lakh (approximately $1 200) provided for damaged homes.

The state has experienced significantly higher-than-normal rainfall across all regions.

In the northern interior region, the average rainfall is typically 260 mm (10.2 inches), but this year it has received 322 mm (12.7 inches), which is 24% higher than normal.

Similarly, the Malnad region, which typically receives 1 127 mm (44.4 inches), has recorded 1 361 mm (53.6 inches) of rainfall this year, a 21% increase. The coastal region, known for its heavy rains, has seen a 28% rise, receiving 2 947 mm (116 inches) compared to the usual 2 299 mm (90.5 inches).

Statewide, Karnataka has received an average of 699 mm (27.5 inches) of rainfall, which is 26% higher than the normal 553 mm (21.8 inches).

Gowda pointed out that no district has recorded less rainfall than usual this year. Despite a rainfall deficit in some dryland regions such as Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Yadgir, Koppal, Vijayapura, and Raichur earlier in the season, these areas have reported good rainfall in the last 10 days.

Looking ahead, the monsoon is expected to intensify from August 16, with heavy rainfall forecast for several regions, particularly from Bengaluru to Central Karnataka and the Malnad area.

Gowda warned of potential flooding along the Karnataka-Maharashtra border and in the Krishna and Kaveri river basins. To mitigate the risk, district collectors have been instructed to take precautionary measures. “Instructions have been given to regulate the release of water from reservoirs before they reach full capacity, to control floods,” Gowda said.

Deputy commissioners have been directed to identify and evacuate people from dilapidated schools and houses at risk of landslides, moving them to safety centers.

As the monsoon continues for another one-and-a-half months, there is a possibility of further damage. The state government plans to request additional relief from the central government once the monsoon period ends.

References:

¹ 58 dead, 80,000 hectares crop damage in K’taka so far: Min. Krishna Byre Gowda – VarthaBharati – August 12, 2024

² Above normal monsoon rains: 58 dead, 80,000 ha crop damage in Karnataka so far: Minister Byre Gowda – ET – August 12, 2024