Overflowing Benni Halla river: Family of four stranded in Navalgund farm house rescued

DHARWAD: A family of four, which was stranded in a farm house overnight near Yamanur in Navalgund taluk, due to the rising water level in the Benni Halla river, was rescued by Fire and Emergency Services personnel on Thursday.

The farm belongs to one Kashinath Khode and Basavaraj, his wife and two children, who stay on the farm, were left stranded due to the rising water level following incessant rain on Wednesday night. The family was rescued in an inflatible boat by the firemen.

Dharwad Police Superintendent Gopal Byakod, who visited the spot on Thursday, said, “The family was safely rescued by firefighters and the district administration acted promptly. At Byahatti, 200 sheep and three people were rescued while at Ingalahalli, 400 sheep were being rescued”.

Further, the SP said one farmer died in Kundgol while two managed to swim to safety. “People residing in low-lying areas should exercise caution and should not take any sort of risk like crossing the ropes near the river”, he added.

Basavaraj, whose family was rescued, said, “We were safe in the house with the children, but we hadn’t expected the water level to rise so much. The government should find a permanent solution to this problem as this is not the first time such a thing has happened.

Divisional Commissioner Shamal Hussain, who also visited the spot, said, “The water level in Benni Halla rose after the rain and all houses living near the river were warned by town criers. Rescue operations were carried out elsewhere too and the police and rescuers have been working since Wednesday night. We appeal to the people to exercise caution”.