Heavy monsoon rainfall battered Karnataka on Tuesday, 7 July 2025, inundating low-lying areas, triggering river overflows, and forcing closure of educational institutions across five districts even as the downpour ended weeks of acute drought anxiety across the state. Authorities across the Malnad and Western Ghats regions remained on high alert as reservoir gates were opened and rescue teams were deployed.

School and College Closures

The state government declared a precautionary holiday for Anganwadis, schools, and colleges in rain-affected taluks across five districts. Institutions remained shut in Belagavi and Khanapura taluks of Belagavi district, Sagar, Tirthahalli, and Hosanagara taluks of Shivamogga district, and Sakleshpur taluk of Hassan district. Precautionary steps were also taken in Madikeri and Chikkamagaluru districts.

Rivers in Spate, Farms at Risk

In Belagavi district, the Doodhganga River crossed the danger mark following incessant rainfall in the Western Ghats and neighbouring Maharashtra. The swollen river threatened agricultural land on both banks. Notably, the river had nearly dried up just two days prior — a stark illustration of how rapidly conditions have shifted. Floodwaters also submerged the historic Mansoor Ali Dargah at Mullanki village in Chikkodi taluk, while uprooted trees disrupted traffic in Khanapura taluk. Officials are monitoring the Krishna, Malaprabha, and Hiranyakeshi rivers, all of which have begun receiving heavy inflows from their catchment areas.

Gajanur Reservoir Opens All 22 Gates

In Shivamogga district, the Gajanur Tunga Reservoir reached full capacity after heavy rainfall across the Tunga, Bhadra, and Sharavathi river catchments. Authorities opened all 22 crest gates of the reservoir for the first time this monsoon, releasing approximately 24,000 cusecs of water into the Tunga River. The discharge is expected to benefit several districts in central and northern Karnataka, though residents along the riverbanks have been asked to remain vigilant. Meanwhile, the world-famous Jog Falls — a 830-foot waterfall — roared back to its full seasonal spectacle, drawing large crowds of tourists.

Rescue Operation Near Mallalli Falls

In Madikeri district, two youths from Andhra Pradesh were stranded on a boulder in the middle of a swollen river near Mallalli Falls in Somwarpet taluk, reportedly while attempting to shoot social media reels. Personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services launched a rescue operation and brought both individuals to safety. The incident underscores the recurring danger of venturing near fast-flowing rivers during the monsoon season — this is among several such rescues reported across Karnataka in recent weeks.

What the Government Said

Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who represents Belagavi district, said all necessary precautionary measures had been put in place. 'The police have taken precautionary measures and forest officials are on alert. The weather department has predicted heavy rains for another four days. If the rains continue, it will benefit the people. Just a few days ago, there were serious concerns about drought, agriculture and drinking water. However, the rainfall over the last two to three days has completely changed the situation and created a sense of relief across the state,' he said. After an unusually dry June, July has brought widespread rainfall across the Malnad region, significantly improving reservoir storage levels. Bengaluru and Mysuru experienced overcast skies, cool temperatures, and intermittent showers, offering a welcome respite from recent heat. The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy rainfall for at least the next four days.