Coastal Karnataka and the Malnad region of the state are struggling with heavy rains. The government has alerted northern districts with flood warnings.
A red alert has been issued in seven districts - Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagalur, Shivamogga, Kodagu, and Hassan districts. A yellow alert has been issued in Belagavi, Kalaburagi, and Bidar districts.
Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai instructed district in-charge ministers, deputy collectors, and district authorities on the seriousness of the situation.
Continuing rain in Maharashtra is causing increased water levels in the Krishna river and its tributaries, said Karnataka Water Resources Minister Govind Karjol. People are facing the threat of flooding in the Cauvery basin as well.
The inflow into the Almatti reservoir has crossed 75,200 cusecs. Authorities alerted people that there are chances of severe flooding in the Krishna Basin. Low-lying areas and bridge-cum-barrages are at risk.
"District administrations in Bagalkote and Belagavi are on high alert and have been instructed to take all precautionary measures," said the minister. As a precaution, schools and colleges are closed.
Coastal and Malnad districts like Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada in the coastal and Malnad regions are suffering from damage to life and properties due to heavy downpours. Rivers are overflowing and affecting fields and low-lying areas. Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts have reported landslides as well.