Karnataka rains: Flood situation worsens in Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru; schools, colleges shut

SHIVAMOGGA/ CHIKKAMAGALURU: There is no reprieve from heavy rainfall, waterlogging, flood and the disruption in the power supply for the residents of Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts, which witnessed unprecedented rainfall, in Karnataka.
Many residents from both the districts recalled that it is the most severe rainfall they have witnessed in the last few years.The rain continued without any break till Tuesday late evening creating panic among the public.
Areas which are the worst hit by flood and rainfall include Shivamogga city, Sagara, Hosanagar, Shikaripura, Sringeri, Banakal, Mudigere and Charmadi ghat areas. In Shivamogga, all the major rivers including, Tunga, Bhadra, Varada, Sharminavati, Malati, Mavinahole, Kumudvati, and local streams are flowing above the danger mark. Inflow to the Tunga dam was 77,661 while outflow was 76,080. For the first time in this monsoon, the river inflow swelled to such a level.
Rain impact: In Shivamogga city, most of the low lying areas including Tipu Nagar, Rajendra Nagar, Bapujinagar, Manjunatha layout, Ashwattanagar, Vidyanagar and surrounding areas witnessed waterlogging and flood water entered into the houses. Locals blamed poor maintenance of Rajakaluve (stormwater drainage) resulted in an artificial flood. Tunga river water released on the left canal added to the misery of these residents as the water started flowing out of the canal and entered into the residences.
The Korpalaiah Chatra Mantap was drowned in the Tunga river water. Outgoing DC KA Dayananda issued directions to the authorities to set up control rooms at every taluka headquarter. He also informed that if required relief centers will be opened up. He visited several flood-hit areas.
Along with Shivamogga, rain pounded rest of the talukas of the district also. In Shikaripura, the roof of the government higher primary school Togarsi collapsed following heavy rainfall. In Hindlemane area of the Hosanagar over 150 irrigation pump sets was washed away in the floodwater. The Tunga river entered into paddy fields and caused huge damages.
In Soraba, thousands of acres of paddy field and areca nut plants were damaged in the flood water in Chandragutti, Kuppagudde, Ulavi, Janginakoppa, etc. Revenue department officials are criss-crossing the taluka to collect the reports of rain damage.
The situation was not different in neighbouring Chikkamagaluru district. Vehicle movement on the Charmadi ghat was disrupted several times as the landslide continued all day in different places. The Hebbale bridge built across the river Bhadra submerged in the river water. In Balehonnur, local revenue officials issued directions to 5 families whose house are on the buffer zone of the river Bhadra to vacate and move to a safe place.
Under construction Balehonnur-Jayapura-Sringeri road witnessed landslide in many places. Locals blamed unscientific digging and road works as the reason for the landslides. The river Tunga is flowing above the danger mark in the holy temple town Sringeri. The district administration asked the people not to venture into the river.