Is Heavy Rainfall Disrupting Life in K'taka?

Bengaluru, May 26 (NationPress) Torrential rains have persisted in Karnataka on Monday, significantly disrupting daily life across the coastal districts of Mangaluru, Karwar, and Udupi. The Kumaradhara, Phalguni, and Netravathi rivers are overflowing, causing serious danger as numerous areas have already been submerged due to the relentless downpour, an official reported.

On Monday, five tourists were successfully rescued by local residents after they found themselves stranded at the Ergundi Waterfall near Mangaluru. According to police, the tourists had ascended to the waterfall's peak when water levels surged unexpectedly due to the heavy rainfall.

At a critical moment, when they were in imminent danger of being swept away, locals intervened and ensured their safety.

Authorities have indicated that the monsoon, which has now arrived in the state, is delivering continuous rainfall to the Malnad (hilly) and coastal areas. Consequently, due to the persistent rains, river water levels have escalated, inundating several low-lying regions.

Officials state that a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea is responsible for the strong winds and heavy rainfall, with sea conditions anticipated to become even more turbulent.

A red alert has been issued for the next three days in the districts of Mangaluru, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu. Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued for Mysuru and Hassan districts.

Due to the overflow of the Kumaradhara river, the bathing ghat at a Hindu pilgrimage centre is now submerged. Authorities have assigned security personnel to prevent devotees from approaching the river.

In Hassan district, multiple landslides have been reported. Furthermore, in Mysuru district, heavy rainfall has led to the closure of Anganwadi centres.

The Karwar district administration has prohibited tourists from accessing the beaches. Red flags have been raised at Murudeshwar and Karwar beaches, where tourists are being warned about the dangerous conditions.

Fishermen throughout the coastal region have also been barred from going out to sea.

In Madikeri district, following the overflowing of rivers and waterfalls, the district administration has prohibited tourists from entering water bodies.

Conversely, the rains have provided much-needed relief to the arid lands of northern Karnataka. Inflow into the Lal Bahadur Shastri Dam, often referred to as the Almatti Dam, has surged dramatically due to heavy rains in both Karnataka and Maharashtra. Over the last three to four days, inflow was around 450 cusecs, but it has now escalated to 52,650 cusecs. This has brought significant relief and joy to farmers in northern Karnataka.

The Almatti Dam has a full reservoir level of 519.60 meters, while the current water level is at 510.38 meters. A discharge of 555 cusecs of water is currently being released from the dam.

In the capital city of Bengaluru, Monday began with light drizzles, and the sky remained overcast for the entire day.

Mangaluru District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has directed officials to promptly address rain-related damage in the district and city of Mangaluru, ensuring minimal disruption for the public.

The minister conducted a video conference from Bengaluru on Monday with district administration and municipal officials, instructing them to remain at taluk headquarters and act proactively.

He emphasized that precautionary measures should be implemented in areas of Mangaluru prone to flooding during heavy rain. In cases of strong winds causing trees to fall onto roads or homes, municipal officials have been ordered to respond quickly and initiate clearance efforts.

The minister also warned officials of the potential for landslides near residential areas and urged vigilance. Residents in high-risk zones must be relocated to safer areas.

He highlighted the need for action in flood-prone riverbank regions where water has started to enter residential zones. If necessary, temporary relief centers should be established.

"Given that a landslide occurred near Kettikallu, close to Vamanjoor on the outskirts of Mangaluru last year, additional precautionary measures must be implemented this time," Minister Rao emphasized.