Heavy rains across several districts in Karnataka, especially areas near the coast, have led to water level rising in the rivers. The state government has opened the gates of a massive dam in Uttar Kannada district to release water and avoid flooding the banks of the Kalinadi and Kadra rivers. The water level in many rivers is above the danger mark. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who is being treated for COVID-19 infection in a hospital, has released Rs 50 crore for initial flood relief work amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Deputy Chief Minister Ashwath Narayan said the state had prepared well ahead of the rains. “We will ensure people are safe. We have alerted people living in low-lying areas. The Chief Minister is also monitoring the situation from hospital,” Mr Narayan said.
The districts that saw heavy rains are Kodagu, Gokarana, Chickmangaluru, Hassan and Mysuru.
The coastal districts of Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have been badly hit, with the adjoining Kodagu district also bearing the brunt of heavy rains. Belgavi, which borders Maharashtra, and other northern districts are also badly affected.
More heavy rains and thundershowers have been forecast in the state.
Several areas in Kodagu, the source of the Cauvery river, are flooded. Landslides have been reported from the Goa-Karnataka border.
“Red alert has been announced in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Chickamagalur, Shivamogga, Kodagu and Hassan due to heavy rainfall in the region from last two-three days,” said CS Patil, director of India Meteorological Department.
