Incessant rains continued to lash northern Karnataka on Saturday, as the death toll due to the resultant floods rose to 136. Gulbarga district was the worst hit by nature's fury and the death toll across the state is likely to rise, fear officials. The state government has now launched relief and rescue operations in full swing.

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Reportage: Vicky Nanjappa Photograph: KPN Photos

Nearly 59,000 houses have been washed away and over 13 lakh people have been affected by the heavy rains, Karnataka government officials told rediff.com.

Ten Army helicopters and two choppers of the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd have also been pressed into service. These choppers have been loaded with food packets which will be dropped over the rain-affected areas.

Chief Minister B S Yedyurappa is holding meetings with top state officials in Bengaluru to review the situation. He has also appealed to the people to stay calm.

Yedyurappa also announced a relief package of Rs 100 crore, in addition to the Rs 349 crore already made available with the district administrations in northern Karnataka.

The CM has also apprised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of the situation and requested him to release Rs 712 crore to carry out relief work.

The CM has also decided to conduct an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas on Sunday along with the chief secretary. Yedyurappa has also convened an all party meeting to discuss the situation.

Reports from the rain-hit areas suggest that people have started fleeing from their homes and taking shelter in public buildings such as schools and government offices.

Meanwhile, in Karwar district, 20 people were feared killed in a major landslide after heavy rains. Relief operations are going on in Karwar.