The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday predicted heavy rains accompanied with thundershowers at most places over coastal Karnataka and at many places over interior Karnataka for the next 24 hours. Flood-like situation and landslides continued to cause havoc in several parts of Karnataka that have been battered by torrential rains.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy rainfall likely at isolated places over south interior Karnataka and heavy to very heavy rainfall likely at isolated places over coastal Karnataka, said the IMD. However, there has been no warning for a thunderstorm in Karnataka in the next 24 hours.
The IMD has predicted widespread moderate to heavy rains associated with strong surface winds and scattered very heavy to extremely heavy rains likely over Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts in coastal regions of the state. Widespread moderate to heavy rains associated with strong surface winds with isolated places very heavy rains likely over Kodagu, Shivamogga, Hassan, and Chikkamagalur districts.
Scattered to widespread light to moderate and at isolated places heavy rains associated with strong surface winds very likely over Belagavi and light to moderate rains likely over Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Yadgir, Bidar & Kalburgi districts and isolated to scattered light to moderate likely over remaining districts of the north interior Karnataka region.
Scattered to widespread with light to moderate rains associated with strong surface winds likely over Davanagere, Ramanagara, Tumakuru, Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura, Mysuru and Chamrajanagara districts and isolated light to moderate rains likely over remaining districts of the south interior Karnataka region.
Scattered to widespread light to moderate rains with many places heavy to very heavy rains and isolated places extremely heavy rains associated with strong surface winds very likely in the state.
The southwest monsoon was vigorous over south interior Karnataka and active over coastal Karnataka, added the IMD. Rainfall occurred at most places at coastal Karnataka and at many places over interior Karnataka.
Many places in Malnad, coastal and north interior regions of the state have been affected by the deluge, putting life and properties at risk. While most of the rivers in these regions are swollen due to rising inflow because of showers continuing in the catchment areas, there are reports of landslips in hilly regions of Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru.
Flood like situation persists in the border regions of Belagavi district, with rising water levels in Krishna river and its tributaries due to rains in ghat areas of Maharashtra and water being released from the dams there. Adding to this, the district too has been receiving rains, inundating low lying areas and crops.
In Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga districts also there is a similar situation of swollen rivers and inundation of low lying areas. Water is being released from several dams in the state including Alamatti and Kabini by opening the gates as inflow has increased. Tungabhadra dam in Hosapete has reached the brim.
There have been reports of mudslides near Botlappa and other places in Kodagu, also along Charmadi ghat near Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina Kannada. District in-charge Minister V Somanna has rushed to Kodagu that has been ravaged by floods and landslides. Cauvery river is overflowing and water has entered Bhagamandala temple and blocked major connecting roads in the district.
Search is on by the NDRF team and authorities for five people including the priest at Talacauvery, the origin of river Cauvery, who had gone missing due to massive landslides at Bramhagiri hills on Wednesday night. Bad weather and heavy rain is affecting the operation.
Residents living in low lying areas in Kushalnagar in Kodagu are shifting themselves to safer places anticipating flood. Three relief centres are opened in the district so far and people in danger are being shifted there.
Heavy rains in Hassan district, especially in the Hemavathi river catchment area, has led to an increase in water level at the reservoir in Gorur. Also, Yagachi reservoir in Belur is receiving heavy inflow due to downpour in Mudigere taluk. Swollen Hemavathi river and rains in the district have caused damage to houses and roads, so people living in low lying areas are being shifted, Hassan district in charge Minister K Gopalaiah said, adding landslides have been reported in Sakleshpur.
Revenue Minister R Ashoka had on August 6 said, according to forecast for the next three days, there will be heavy rains in coastal region, moderate and heavy rains in Malnad and north interior Karnataka, and normal rains in south interior parts of the state. Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who has released Rs 50 crore for emergency relief, has announced Rs 10,000 as immediate relief to affected families, Rs 5 lakhs to completely damaged houses and in case of partially damaged, relief will be distributed considering the extent of damage.
The Chief Minister has also directed the district in- charge Ministers to take precautionary measures in the wake of heavy rainfall across the state and instructed them to remain in their districts and tour the damaged areas.
