58 dead, 80,000 ha crop damage in K'taka due to above normal monsoon rains

Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Monday said that the state has recorded 58 deaths and crop damage in 80,000 hectares, due to "above normal" rains so far in the current monsoon season so far. More rains are anticipated in several parts of the state in the days ahead, and officials have been instructed to take precautionary measures, he said. "In the northern interior region, the average rainfall has been 260 mm, but this year it has received 322 mm, which is 24 per cent higher than normal. The Malnad region typically receives 1,127 mm of rainfall, but this year it has received 1,361 mm, 21 per cent higher than normal. The coastal region typically receives 2,299 mm of rainfall, but this year it has received 2,947 mm, which is 28 per cent higher. The state has received an average of 553 mm of rainfall (normally), but this year it has received 699 mm, which is 26 per cent higher. Notably, no district has received less rainfall than normal this year," Gowda said. ...