Bengaluru, June 13 (UNI) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for nine districts of Karnataka on Friday, following relentless monsoon rains that have already claimed two lives in Hubballi-Dharwad and triggered widespread flooding and disruption.
In Dharwad district, a 31-year-old farmer, Shivayya Basayya Vatnalmath, lost his life when the tractor he was driving overturned in a stream near Hanchinal village of Kundgol taluk on Wednesday.
In another incident, 58-year-old Hussainsab Kalasa went missing after his two-wheeler was swept away by an overflowing drain at Nekar Nagar in Hubballi. His pillion rider was rescued by passersby.
The IMD’s red alert covers Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, warning of extremely heavy rainfall that may pose a serious risk to life and property. As a precaution, schools and anganwadis have been closed in Udupi and Kodagu districts.
In the Malnad region, including Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan, incessant downpours brought daily life to a standstill. Several trees were uprooted, traffic was disrupted, and waterlogging affected low-lying areas.
The region recorded 21.9 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, more than double the usual 9.5 mm for this time of year.
In North Karnataka, flash floods wreaked havoc in parts of Belagavi and Bagalkot districts. In Raibag, water entered homes and forced temporary road closures, while in Guledgudda town, the Parvati Bridge over the Malaprabha river was submerged, leading to traffic diversions. A petrol pump and several residences were also inundated.
Reservoirs across the state are witnessing a sharp surge in inflow. The Lal Bahadur Shastri reservoir at Almatti recorded an inflow of 12,641 cusecs, while the Hipparagi barrage saw 11,608 cusecs. The Raja Lakhamagouda reservoir in Hidkal reached 48.98 tmcft, nearing its full capacity of 51 tmcft.
In addition to the red alert, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Bagalkot, Belagavi, and Shivamogga, and a yellow alert for Vijayanagara, Davangere, Chitradurga, Ballari, Gadag, and Dharwad, signalling continued rainfall and the potential for further disruptions.
Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories as the southwest monsoon continues to intensify across Karnataka.
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