Widespread rainfall in Karnataka has disrupted normal life in several districts while providing relief from drought worries. Heavy showers in the Malnad and Western Ghats regions have caused rivers to overflow, low-lying areas to flood, and educational institutions to close in various taluks. The state government declared a holiday for Anganwadis, schools, and colleges in rain-affected taluks across five districts as a precautionary measure.
In Belagavi and Khanapura taluks of Belagavi district, Sagar, Tirthahalli, and Hosanagara taluks of Shivamogga district, and Sakleshpur taluk of Hassan district, educational institutions remained closed. The Doodhganga River in Belagavi district rose above the danger mark due to continuous rainfall in the Western Ghats and neighboring Maharashtra. The river, which had almost dried up two days ago, is now flowing in full spate, posing a threat to agricultural land on both banks.
Floodwaters have inundated the Mansoor Ali Dargah in Mullanki village in Chikkodi taluk, while uprooted trees in Khanapura taluk have disrupted traffic. Officials are monitoring the Krishna, Malaprabha, and Hiranyakeshi rivers, which are receiving substantial inflows. In Shivamogga district, the Gajanur Tunga Reservoir reached full capacity, prompting the opening of all 22 crest gates to release water into the Tunga River.
The increased discharge from the reservoir is expected to benefit several districts in central and northern Karnataka. The world-renowned Jog Falls in Shivamogga district has regained its glory with abundant inflows, attracting tourists. In Madikeri district, two youths from Andhra Pradesh were rescued after getting stranded on a boulder in a swollen river near Mallalli Falls. The rescue operation highlighted the dangers of approaching fast-flowing rivers during the monsoon.
Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi mentioned that necessary precautionary measures have been taken by the administration. The weather department forecasts heavy rains for the next few days, which could further benefit the state. After a dry June, July’s widespread rainfall has improved water storage levels in reservoirs and revived rivers. Southern Karnataka, including Bengaluru and Mysuru, has also experienced cool temperatures and intermittent showers, offering relief from the heat.
