Heavy Rains Batter Malnad: Collapsed Homes, Rising Reservoirs, School Closures

Quick Summary:

• Heavy rains continue to affect several parts of the Malnad region in Karnataka, disrupting daily life and education.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts and an orange alert for Hassan district on Monday.
• Two houses collapsed in Sakleshpur Taluk (Hassan District) on sunday night; an individual was injured and hospitalized.
• Ancient Bidanur Fort’s pond section in Shivamogga district suffered damage due to rain-triggered collapse.
• Rivers like the Tunga are overflowing, inundating low-lying areas such as sringeri town. In Sringeri taluk, Begar logged 170.5 mm rainfall within 24 hours ending Monday morning.
• Average rainfalls recorded:

– Chikkamagaluru: 45 mm (normal 14 mm)
– Shivamogga: 47 mm (normal 19 mm), with specific regions experiencing extreme amounts (e.g.,Hosahalli at 107.5 mm).
– Hassan: Average rainfall of 19 mm, spiking locally at Byakaravalli (122.5mm) and Hongadahalla (118.5mm) in Sakleshpur taluk.

Reservoir Status:

1. Hemavathi reservoir,Hassan Taluk:

– Current inflow: 32,087 cusecs
– Excess water released via crest gates: 27,925 cusecs

1. Tunga Reservoir at Gajanur:

– Water level has reached maximum capacity; outflow of 76,656 cusecs

1. Linganmakki Dam near Sagar Taluk:

– Water level stands at 1815 ft; live capacity is approximately 138 TMC

1. Bhadra Reservoir at Lakkavalli sees heavy inflow (34,430 cusecs) with corresponding outflow (**39,245 cusecs).

Indian Opinion Analysis:

Extreme weather across karnataka’s Malnad region underscores the critical importance of disaster preparedness amidst intensifying climate conditions leading to heavy rains annually across western Ghats eco-zones.Sectors/services-protracted extend Alternate upending bridges running