Bengaluru, July 7 (IANS) Widespread rainfall continued to batter Karnataka on Tuesday, disrupting normal life across several districts even as it brought much-needed relief from drought concerns. Heavy showers in the Malnad and Western Ghats regions led to overflowing rivers, inundation of low-lying areas, closure of educational institutions in several taluks, and the opening of reservoir gates as authorities remained on high alert.

On Tuesday morning the state government declared a holiday for Anganwadis, schools and colleges in several rain-affected taluks across five districts as a precautionary measure.

Educational institutions remained closed in Belagavi and Khanapura taluks of Belagavi district, Sagar, Tirthahalli and Hosanagara taluks of Shivamogga district, and Sakleshpur taluk of Hassan district. Precautions have also been taken in Madikeri and Chikkamagaluru districts.

In Belagavi district, the Doodhganga River rose above the danger mark following incessant rainfall in the Western Ghats and neighbouring Maharashtra.

The swollen river threatened agricultural land on both banks, with farmers closely monitoring the situation. Ironically, the river had almost dried up just two days ago but is now flowing in full spate due to continuous rainfall upstream.

Floodwaters also inundated the famous Mansoor Ali Dargah at Mullanki village in Chikkodi taluk, while incidents of uprooted trees were reported from Khanapura taluk, causing disruption to traffic and local movement.

Officials are also keeping a close watch on the Krishna, Malaprabha and Hiranyakeshi rivers, which have started receiving substantial inflows from their catchment areas.

In Shivamogga district, the Gajanur Tunga Reservoir reached its full capacity following heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Tunga, Bhadra and Sharavathi rivers. Authorities opened all 22 crest gates of the reservoir for the first time this monsoon, releasing around 24,000 cusecs of water into the Tunga River.

The increased discharge is expected to benefit several districts in central and northern Karnataka through the Tunga river system, while officials have alerted people living along the riverbanks to remain cautious.

The world-famous Jog Falls in Shivamogga district has regained its spectacular glory after receiving abundant inflows. Water cascaded down the 830-foot-high waterfall in full force, drawing large numbers of tourists eager to witness one of Karnataka’s most iconic natural attractions at its seasonal best.

In Madikeri district, two youths from Andhra Pradesh narrowly escaped tragedy after getting stranded on a large boulder in the middle of a swollen river near Mallalli Falls in Somwarpet taluk while reportedly attempting to shoot social media reels.

Personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services launched a rescue operation and safely brought both youths to safety, once again highlighting the dangers of venturing close to fast-flowing rivers during the monsoon.

Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi, hailing from Belagavi district said the administration had taken all necessary precautionary measures in view of the continuing rainfall.

“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 and the Western Ghats. The heavy showers have significantly improved water storage levels in reservoirs and revived rivers that had nearly dried up.

The impact of the monsoon has also been felt in southern Karnataka. Bengaluru and Mysuru experienced overcast skies, cool temperatures and intermittent showers, creating weather conditions reminiscent of hill stations and providing a welcome respite from the recent heat.

–IANS

mka/rad