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The coastal region of Karnataka, along with south interior Karnataka, has been experiencing heavy rainfall and devastating landslides, leading to widespread disruptions in road connectivity and transportation. The impact of these severe weather conditions has been particularly acute in the districts of Hassan, Kodagu, and Dakshina Kannada.
One of the most significant incidents occurred near Harle Estate in Sakaleshpur, Hassan taluk. A massive landslide on Monday night swept away a portion of the road that serves as an alternative to the Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway, which has already witnessed numerous similar incidents in recent weeks. This event further exacerbated the already precarious state of the road network in the region, leaving many villages cut off and prompting local residents to blame the ‘unscientific’ execution of the Yettinahole project for exacerbating the problem.
The Shiradi Ghat stretch of NH 75, at Doddathappale village in Sakaleshpur taluk, experienced fresh erosion due to torrential rains, leading to severe disruptions on Tuesday. A large chunk of mud tumbled down the highway, causing a truck to overturn and trapping three other vehicles in the debris. The entire road was rendered impassable, bringing traffic to a standstill on this vital route connecting the coastal region to Bengaluru. KSRTC buses were stranded for hours, while heavy earthmovers were deployed to clear the debris.
With the Shiradi Ghat stretch closed for traffic again on Tuesday and the train connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru suspended since July 26, the city of Mangaluru is once again facing severe connectivity issues. The coastal city is now primarily reliant on the Charmadi Ghat on NH 73 (Mangaluru-Chikkamagaluru) and the Sampaje Ghat on NH 275 (Mangaluru-Madikeri-Mysuru) for transportation. However, these alternate routes are also prone to landslides and face the risk of closure, raising further concerns about connectivity.
The Netravathi river, a crucial lifeline for Dakshina Kannada, has been in spate, with floodwaters encroaching onto the Mangaluru-Bengaluru national highway near Uppinangady. In Kodagu district, incessant rainfall over the past ten days has resulted in widespread havoc. Numerous incidents of mudslides were reported on Tuesday, and six individuals stranded in floodwaters were rescued in a village in Virajpet taluk. The district administration has relocated residents of Karadigodu village on the banks of the Cauvery, with many being shifted to Siddapura.
A relief center has been established at Kashi Mutt in Bhagamandala, providing shelter to seven people from two families. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Kodagu, warning of continued heavy rainfall for the next 48 hours. The incessant rain has also caused overflowing reservoirs, forcing authorities to release excess water into rivers, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. The crest gates of Bhadra reservoir in Chikkamagaluru district were opened due to the water level reaching maximum capacity, prompting an alert for downstream areas.
The cumulative discharge from both the KRS and Kabini reservoirs surpassed 2.3 lakh cusecs on Tuesday evening, prompting the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd. to issue a flood warning to downstream residents, urging them to relocate to safer locations. These warnings underscore the severity of the situation and highlight the importance of taking precautionary measures to mitigate the risks posed by the heavy rainfall and resulting floods.
Source: Heavy rains, landslips disconnect coastal Karnataka from rest of State