Heavy rains in Coastal and North Karnataka

MANGULURU: As the monsoon intensifies and heavy rains lash the Coastal and North Karnataka region, district administrations of various districts have announced holidays for schools and colleges on July 24.

The rain has also resulted in minor damage to infrastructures and crops. Additionally, several rivers are overflowing, with some approaching the danger mark.

IMD has issued an orange alert for Coastal Karnataka districts till July 25 morning. A yellow alert has been declared for Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Koppal, Yadgir and Ballari districts till July 24 morning.

The forecast indicates heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in isolated places across all districts of Coastal Karnataka. Furthermore, high waves in the range of 3.5 to 4 meters were predicted from 5:30 pm on July 22 to 11:30 pm on July 23 along the coast from Mangaluru to Karwar.

While the infrastructure has been damaged in various districts, there have been no casualties.  

In response to the incessant downpour, authorities have declared a day's holiday for schools, PU, and Degree Colleges in Dharwad district on Monday.

Similarly, Belagavi district administration has declared a holiday for schools in Khanapur, Belagavi, Bailhongal, and Kittur taluks, along with PU Colleges in Khanapur taluk.

The administrations of Haveri, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts have also taken the step to declare holidays for all schools and PU Colleges in their respective regions.

Udupi district reported damage to 41 houses in the last 24 hours, with Hallihole village witnessing the impact on 250 areca trees and a cattle shed.

In Dakshina Kannada district six houses have been severely damaged and 31 partially damaged. Due to the rising water level in Kumaradhara river, the Kadaba Taluk Tahsildar issued a warning to devotees not to visit the 'Snana Ghatta' (bathing place) located on the river bank near Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple.

Water level of Kumaradhara and Netravati is nearing the danger mark in Dakshina Kannada district.

In Dharwad district, 24 houses were damaged, and one cattle lost its life due to the continuous rainfall. Uttara Kannada district reported one house completely damaged, two severely affected, and 17 partially affected. The water inflow in the seven major dams of the district has seen a significant increase.

Belagavi DC Nitesh Patel who visited various places in the district on Sunday said that the inflow in Krishna, Ghataprabha and Malaprabha has increased. He also assured that there is no fear of flood in the region.

In the wake of increasing inflow, the water levels in Almatti, Hidakal, and Navilutirtha dams are steadily rising. The DC urged people to avoid using flooded roads and bridges in the region for their safety.

As a precautionary measure, temporary rehabilitation centres have been identified to provide assistance to those in need. Proper steps are being taken to ensure the smooth relocation of people and cattle to safer areas during potential emergencies.

Moreover, the district administration has taken the proactive step of prohibiting people from visiting waterfalls in forest areas. Forest guards and police officials have been assigned to keep a vigilant watch, ensuring that no one ventures into these areas.

Superintendent of Police, Dr. Sanjiv Patil said that approximately 15 bridges in the district have been flooded. Barricades have been placed and movement of vehicles and people have been banned on these flooded bridges.

Policemen have been deployed on both sides of the bridges to ensure compliance and prevent vehicles and people from using them until they are deemed safe for travel again.