The Southwest Monsoon has intensified sharply across Karnataka, swelling rivers, filling reservoirs to significant levels, and triggering flood-like conditions across several districts, particularly in the state's north. The surge, reported on 8 July, has inundated agricultural land and forced authorities to step up monitoring of flood-prone zones.

Belagavi Among Worst Hit

In Belagavi district, incessant rainfall has caused the Doodhganga, Markandeya, and Ghataprabha rivers to overflow their banks, submerging vast stretches of farmland — including sugarcane, maize, and chilli crops — extending nearly half a kilometre from the riverbanks. Farmers who had been battling drought until recently are now reporting fresh losses due to flooding.

Residents noted that the Ghataprabha River, which had barely any water just four days ago, is now overflowing following heavy rainfall in Maharashtra and the Western Ghats. Local farmers have urged the government to provide compensation, saying delayed monsoon rains had already damaged crops before floodwaters arrived.

Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan confirmed that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is scheduled to visit the district on Thursday to review the flood situation. 'We have deputed a team of officials to the Koyna Reservoir in Maharashtra to monitor water releases. All necessary preparations have been made to effectively manage any flood situation,' he said.

Rivers in Spate Across Multiple Districts

In Shivamogga district, the Tunga River is flowing in spate following continuous rainfall across the Malnad region. Several lakes in Hubballi have also filled up after heavy rainfall over the past few days. In Dharwad district, lakes that had dried up during summer have reached full capacity, bringing relief to residents of Kalaghatagi taluk who had been facing severe drinking water shortages for both people and livestock.

KRS and Hemavati Dams See Sharp Inflow Rise

The Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam in Mandya is currently receiving 7,531 cusecs of water — up from 5,734 cusecs the previous day — following heavy rainfall across the Cauvery catchment area and Madikeri district. The reservoir's water level stands at 81.55 feet against a maximum capacity of 124.80 feet, with current storage at 12.485 TMC out of a total 49.452 TMC. Officials expect inflows to rise further if rainfall continues in the Cauvery basin.

The Hemavati Dam at Gorur in Hassan district is receiving an inflow of 16,593 cusecs, with only 300 cusecs being released. The reservoir currently holds 18.782 TMC against a total capacity of 37.103 TMC, with the water level at 2,898.40 feet against a maximum of 2,922 feet. Heavy rains in Sakleshpur, Alur, Belur, Arkalgud, and neighbouring Mudigere in Chikkamagaluru district have significantly boosted inflows.

Precautionary Measures and School Closures

As a precautionary measure, Belur Tahsildar Sridhar Kankanawadi declared a holiday on Wednesday for all Anganwadi centres, primary schools, and high schools across Arehalli, Bikkodu, and Chikkanahalli hoblis, as well as Kasaba A and Kasaba B zones of Belur taluk, citing heavy rain and strong winds.

Meanwhile, heavy monsoon showers have triggered picturesque waterfalls along National Highway-75 through the Shiradi Ghat in Dakshina Kannada district, drawing thousands of tourists and pilgrims travelling during the temple pilgrimage season.

IMD Alert and What Comes Next

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall across several parts of Karnataka in the coming days. Authorities are closely monitoring river levels and reservoir inflows, particularly in flood-prone districts of north Karnataka, while urging residents along riverbanks and in low-lying areas to remain on alert. With inflows at both KRS and Hemavati expected to climb, dam management decisions in the days ahead will be critical for downstream communities.