Heavy Rain Batters Karnataka; Dams Near Capacity

Continuous rainfall over the past two days has caused severe damage in parts of Aurad and Kamalnagar taluks, prompting Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dr. Girish Badole to visit the affected areas on Monday.

In Aurad taluk, hundreds of acres of farmland in Bonti, Bavalgaon, and Hangarga villages were inundated, and several connecting bridges suffered extensive damage. The DC personally inspected the breach of a minor irrigation tank at Bonti village, which released huge volumes of water, washing away bridges and leaving behind large craters. She directed Aurad Tahsildar Mahesh Patil to issue public warnings and restrict movement in the affected zones to prevent accidents.

At Bavalgaon and Hangarga, another tank breach caused floodwaters to enter farmland, damaging standing crops. The DC instructed officials to immediately set up a relief centre at the local school in Bavalgaon to accommodate displaced villagers. She also cautioned residents not to allow people or livestock near overflowing water sources.

According to Tahsildar Mahesh Patil, the region recorded 300 mm of rainfall on August 17 alone, leading to partial damage of four bridges and the submergence of nearly 500 acres of crops. However, he confirmed that no loss of life or damage to houses had been reported so far. A formal crop loss assessment will be carried out once the rains subside.

The DC also visited Nandi Bijalgaon in Kamalnagar taluk to review damages.

In Dharwad district, Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu declared a holiday on August 19 for Anganwadi centres, schools, and pre-university colleges after three days of relentless downpour. The decision was taken in view of student and teacher safety, with the administration closely monitoring the rain situation.

In Uttara Kannada district, the Deputy Commissioner declared a holiday on August 19 for schools and PU colleges in Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal, Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Joida, Dandeli, and Haliyal taluks following heavy showers across the coastal and Malnad regions. The district has been receiving intermittent heavy rainfall, raising concerns about flooding in low-lying areas.

In Belagavi district, widespread rainfall led Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan to declare a holiday on August 19 for all Anganwadi centres, primary and high schools in Belagavi, Bailhongal, Kittur, Khanapur, Ramdurg, Savadatti, Chikkodi, and Hukkeri taluks. Pre-university colleges in Belagavi, Bailhongal, Kittur, Khanapur, Ramdurg, and Savadatti taluks were also granted a holiday.

Meanwhile, dams in the region are brimming with water.

At Linganamakki reservoir, water levels rose rapidly, standing at 1,815.50 feet against the full reservoir level (FRL) of 1,819 feet by 1 pm on Monday, with an inflow of 59,891 cusecs. Officials warned that the reservoir could reach maximum capacity soon. KPCL engineers announced that excess water would be released from the reservoir starting August 19 at 10 am to ensure dam safety.

Authorities have alerted residents of low-lying villages along the Sharavathi riverbanks in Honnavar taluk to remain vigilant. Temporary relief centres have been set up, and residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to move valuables to safer places. Fishermen, tourists, and the public have also been cautioned against venturing into rivers, streams, or the sea during this period.

Similarly, heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas has raised the Malaprabha dam level to 2,077.75 feet, close to its FRL of 2,079.50 feet. The inflow stood at 10,000 cusecs. To maintain safe water levels, authorities said the outflow into the river would be gradually increased from 5,000 cusecs to 9,000 cusecs, and potentially up to 10,000 cusecs depending on inflow.

The Markandeya reservoir has also reached full storage capacity, prompting Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) officials to announce a controlled release of water into the Markandeya river from Monday afternoon. By 11.30 am on Monday, the reservoir had reached its maximum level of 2,309.71 feet, with an inflow of 1,704 cusecs. From 3 pm on August 18, about 5,000 cusecs of water were discharged through the crest gates, with the possibility of increasing up to 5,500 cusecs depending on inflows.

Authorities have cautioned villagers residing along the Markandeya riverbanks in Belagavi and Bagalkot districts to move to safer locations with their families and livestock. The administrations of Belagavi and Bagalkot, along with police, revenue, and irrigation officials, have been alerted to take precautionary measures. Flood warnings have been communicated to the Deputy Commissioners of Belagavi and Bagalkot, the Regional Commissioner, police officials, engineers of Almatti and Narayanpur reservoirs, and tahsildars of Hukkeri, Gokak, Mudhol, Mudalagi, and Bagalkot taluks.