Kodagu deluge brings back memories of black days

MADIKERI: Heavy rainfall across Kodagu district over the past three days brought back tragic memories of floods in 2018 and 2019.
Although the district has witnessed a spell of rainfall since June, it has picked up pace resulting in mainly landslides, leaving a trail of destruction.
Kodagu deputy commissioner Anies kanmani Joy has issued Red alert till August 7, Yellow alert from August 7-8 and Orange alert from August 8-10 in the district.
According to Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) executive engineer Somshekhar, the rainfall has left power supply infrastructure in tatters in several parts of the district with over 1,250 electric poles damaged in two days.
Although power supply has been restored in some places in Madikeri, most of the region is in dark. Damages to electric poles is heavy in South Kodagu and restoration may take long time according to the Somshekhar.
Kathlekadu-Siddapur Road was blocked for traffic movement after a landslide occurred along the stretch.
Water level rises in Cauvery
Water level in Cauvery river has risen above 5feet at Bhagamandala and the water has reached the steps of Shri Bhagandeshwara temple. Due to the overflowing river, roads connecting Bhagamandala to Madikeri and Bhagamandala to Napoklu has been banned.
District administration’s attempt to shift people to a secure location was rejected by the residents. River rafting teams were sent to Kushalnagar and Gonikoppal after observing flood like situation. While the roofing sheets of police maithrihall building flew due to gusty winds, several houses were partially damaged in Virajpet. In Malethirike Hills, several houses were damaged after electric poles fell on them.
Malnad battered by heavy downpour
Heavy downpour in Malnad region on Wednesday left a trail of destruction across Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts. Several trees and electric poles were uprooted blocking roads after strong winds and rainfall battered the district.
When the house of Shankara Bandari in Karakki village of Kodur grama panchayath in Hosanagar was destroyed, GP members responded quickly and shifted the family.
Hulikal in Hosanagara in Shivamogga recorded maximum rainfall. Water levels in Mani dam near Yadur village rose from 577.2 meters to 578.18 meters in a single day. The dam’s maximum capacity is 594.36 meter.
Malnad taluks of Mudigere, Sringeri and N R Pura were also badly affected. Tarffic was disrupted when a tree fell on National Highway-234 passing through Mudigere. Banalli-Saragodu road blocked after electricity poles downed along the road.