Heavy showers battered Belagavi and Kodagu districts in Karnataka on Tuesday, causing landslides, flooding, and disruption of normal life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for several districts, warning of more heavy rainfall in the coming days.
Belagavi worst-hit
Belagavi district received 12 cm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas. Several villages along the Krishna river were inundated as the water level rose. The district administration evacuated 150 families from vulnerable areas and set up relief camps. A landslide near Khanapur blocked the road connecting Belagavi to Goa, causing traffic disruptions.
Kodagu also affected
In Kodagu district, heavy rain triggered landslides in Madikeri and Somwarpet taluks. The Cauvery river is in spate, and authorities have warned residents living along its banks. Over 50 houses were damaged, and 200 people were moved to safer locations. The district received an average of 8 cm of rainfall. A bridge near Kushalnagar was washed away, cutting off access to 10 villages.
Orange alert issued
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Belagavi, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts for Wednesday. These areas are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along the Karnataka coast.
Rescue operations underway
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in Belagavi and Kodagu. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has warned of possible landslides and flash floods in the Western Ghats region. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has directed officials to ensure timely relief measures. According to a revenue department official, 'The situation is under control, but we are prepared for any eventuality.'
Impact on daily life
Schools and colleges in affected areas remained closed. Train services on the Belagavi-Dharwad route were disrupted due to waterlogging on tracks. Several roads were submerged, causing traffic jams. The Met department has predicted that the rain intensity will reduce from Thursday onwards.
