The number of villages affected by the overflowing Bhima river in Kalaburagi district in Karnataka rose to 85 on September 28. Continuous rainfall and large inflows from neighbouring Maharashtra are contributing to flooding.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhanwar Singh Meena at the Raddewadagi relief camp in Jewargi taluk of Kalaburagi district in Karnataka, on September 28, 2025.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, who is leading the rescue and relief operations on the ground, said that 53 relief centres have been opened and 6,664 people have been rescued.
“Rescue operations have covered all affected taluks — Afzalpur, Jewargi, Kalaburagi, Chittapur, Chincholi, Sedam, Kalagi and Shahabad. A total of 3,050 men, 2,270 women, and 1,344 children have been shifted to nearby relief centres, where they are being provided food, essential facilities, and regular check-ups by the Health Department,” she said.
As rain is forecast in the coming days, the outflow from Sonna and Bennetora barrages is expected to increase.
Regional Commissioner Zaheera Naseem in the flood-affected Farathabad and Sardagi villages in Kalaburagi taluk on September 28, 2025.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
To assist with rescue operations, a 20-member NDRF team has been stationed at Wadi in Chittapur taluk, and an SDRF team is deployed at Mannur in Afzalpur taluk. Police, Home Guard and the Fire and Emergency Services are on standby across flood-hit areas, participating actively in relief operations.
“To strengthen flood management, 39 officials have been appointed as nodal officers at rescue and relief centres in the affected areas. Precautionary measures are being taken to prevent human and animal casualties,” Ms. Taranum added.
Floodwaters have damaged roads and submerged several bridges, disrupting transportation. The police have been instructed to make alternative arrangements to ensure smooth movement of vehicles. Continuous rainfall has raised the risk of houses collapsing, and residents are being urged to remain cautious.
Residents of Saradagi village in Kalaburagi district navigating a waterlogged road as floods continue to disrupt normal life and cut off connectivity.
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ARUN KULKARNI
“People should not panic. The district administration is working round-the-clock to ensure the safety of citizens,” Ms. Taranum said.
Authorities have issued strict warnings against venturing into rivers. Swimming, risky stunts, washing clothes, grazing livestock, or fishing in rivers is strictly prohibited. Residents have been advised to avoid bridges, riverbanks, temples, mosques, and other prayer sites along the river, and refrain from taking selfies or photographs in dangerous locations.
For emergency assistance, the district and taluk-level helplines have been activated. People are urged to contact these numbers in case of an emergency. Key contact numbers include the
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District Disaster Management Centre at 08472-278677 or 1077
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Kalaburagi Municipal Corporation 08472-241364 or 6363544601
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Helplines for Aland, Afzalpur, Chittapur, Chincholi, Kalagi, Kamalapur, Jevargi, Yadrami, Shahabad, and Sedam taluks
Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil interacting with a woman during his visit to flood-hit areas in his Sedam constituency on September 28, 2025.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board Chairman Ajay Singh, Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman B.R. Patil and other leaders toured affected areas in their respective constituencies on September 28.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and Kalaburagi district in-charge Priyank Kharge visited flood-affected villages in Chittapur and Kalagi taluks in Kalaburagi district on September 27, 2025.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and district in-charge Priyank Kharge said that he briefed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of the flood situation in the district. He said that urgent relief measures have been communicated to the affected villages, and the Chief Minister is expected to visit the district at the earliest.
Published – September 29, 2025 10:52 am IST
