Heavy rain triggers flood scare in Karnataka, schools and colleges closed in nine districts
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Bengaluru: Karnataka is facing a flood scare as heavy rains are causing small streams to overflow. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the coastal districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada, signaling the possibility of heavy to extremely heavy rains exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours.
In response to the torrential downpour, authorities have declared a holiday for schools and colleges in nine districts, including Belagavi, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Haveri, Hassan, Shivamogga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Kodagu. An orange alert has been issued for Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, while Belagavi, Haveri, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, and Hassan are under a yellow alert.
During this period of intense rainfall, temporary electricity disruptions and minor traffic jams have been reported in certain areas, with potential damages to vulnerable structures.
The heavy rains have also led to the resurgence of many waterfalls, attracting tourists. However, tragedy struck when a 23-year-old man, Sharath Kumar, was swept away by the Arishinagundi waterfall in Udupi district while filming videos for social media. Search operations are underway to locate him.
In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, continuous heavy rainfall has caused water levels in rivers and rivulets to rise significantly, submerging low-lying areas and posing a threat to those living near riverbanks. As a precaution, some families have been relocated to safer places in Bantwal taluk. The situation has also affected areca nut plantations, leaving farmers concerned about their crops, reported PTI.
Devotees have been advised not to visit the Kukke Subrahmanya temple due to the submergence of its bathing ghat from rising Kumaradhara river levels. Flooding on the Manjeshwar-Subrahmanya state highway has disrupted vehicular movement in the region.
In the Udupi district, a landslide in the Karvalu area poses a threat to a high-tension electricity tower carrying a 110 KV KPTCL overhead line. Officials have taken necessary precautions, but if the tower sustains damage, it could affect the power supply in areas like Manipal, Brahmavar, Kunjibettu, and Udyavar. In response, authorities have activated the old Manipal-Hiriadka power line as a precautionary measure.
The situation remains critical as the southwest monsoon continues to impact various regions in Karnataka. With water levels rising and areas at risk of flooding, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure public safety and infrastructure integrity.