While the average rainfall in the region thus far this year is lower than what was received in the corresponding period in 2015, many parts of Kodagu and Shivamogga districts were lashed with heavy rains and strong winds since Tuesday night. A rainfall alert prevails in the region.
According to the daily reports of the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre dated June 30, Bhagamandala was the worst affected region in Kodagu district, receiving 122.5 mm. Schools in Kodagu declared a holiday on account of the rain. “We declared a holiday yesterday and today as it has been raining continuously which has affected movement of vehicles. It is still raining and even tomorrow could be declared a holiday”, said Brinda, a representative of Coorg Public School.
While heavy rains disrupted activities in Malnad region, life in the coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada resumed as per usual. Barya, on the banks of the river Nethravati, received the highest rainfall in this region, with146.5 mm of rain. However, in spite of heavy rains overnight, Thursday started with no sign of rains.
Talavata, Baragadde, Bhanukuli and Aralagodu villages in the cachment area of the Linganamakki reservoir received the highest rainfall (175 mm) in Shivamogga district. Daily life in Shivamogga district was not disrupted, however, and the rains came as a relief as water levels in reservoirs in the region were dwindling. After the rains, the level at the Thungabhadra dam reached a season high of 1579 ft, while the water level at the Linganamakki dam was recorded at 1758 ft.