Friday, July 7 2006 12:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolhapur: Flood situation remained grim in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra today (July 7,2006) with at least 100 villages remaining marooned and Panchganga river flowing at the danger level, prompting authorities to put the army on alert.

The district authorities were engaged in establishing contact with 100 villages in different talukas, including Shirol, Hathkangala, Panala and Karvir, which were flooded due overflowing of Krishna and Panchganga rivers.

The army has been alerted about the flood situation but so far no need has been felt to requisition its help, Deputy Resident Collector of Kolhapur Milind Pathak said.

" The water level of Panchganga has receded by two inches at Rajaram Bhandara but was still touching the danger mark of 43 feet," he said.

The intensity of rains has subsided and hence the situation was likely to improve by evening, he said, adding that only 400 flood-hit people, hailing from Chikli village near the city, were evacuated yesterday to a safer place.

"If no more rains occur till evening, there is possibility of these evacuated people, who have been given shelter in Gram Panchayat building and schools, returning to their respective homes," he added.