Chikkamagaluru: The southwest monsoon has intensified across Chikkamagaluru and parts of Hassan district, bringing heavy rainfall to the Malnad region and triggering landslides that disrupted road connectivity in several hilly areas.Continuous rain over the past two days has led to a rise in the water levels of the Bhadra, Tunga and Hemavathi rivers. Several low-lying areas in and around Sringeri town were inundated, while minor landslips were reported from different parts of the Malnad region. According to officials, Sringeri taluk has received 1,505 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon season. In the last 24 hours, Sringeri recorded 64.4 mm of rainfall, while Kigga and Kerekatte received 93.8 mm and 87.8 mm, respectively.A landslide was reported on the Attigundi-Mahal Road near Kavikal Gandi at the foothills of Mullayyanagiri. Red soil and debris slid onto the road, disrupting traffic to several villages, including Attigundi, and to the Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudangiri Dargah. The road serves as the only link between these villages and Chikkamagaluru city. Although a retaining wall was constructed two years ago following a similar landslide, fresh debris fell adjacent to the structure.Public works department personnel cleared the road for vehicular movement, and officials visited the site to assess the situation.In Koppa taluk, a tree uprooted by strong winds and heavy rain fell across the road near Kaleshwara Estate, temporarily disrupting traffic.Agricultural fields, plantations and paddy crops in low-lying areas were waterlogged. Villages such as Hadi, Sunkadamakki, Nilanduru, Kumbregodu and Koogodu in Sringeri taluk, located 25-30 km from the taluk headquarters, have been cut off due to damaged interior roads. Officials said access to hospitals and emergency services has become difficult for residents of these villages. Other parts of the district that recorded heavy rainfall include Mullayyanagiri, Kudremukh, Kemmannugundi, Kalasa, Mudigere, Kottigehara and N.R. Pura, while the plains of Kadur and Tarikere received moderate showers.Inflow into Bhadra reservoir increasesHeavy rainfall has also boosted inflows into the Bhadra reservoir, located on the Chikkamagaluru-Shivamogga district border. Officials said inflows have increased significantly over the past 24 hours, reaching 12,983 cusecs. The reservoir’s water level has risen by 1.3 feet during the same period. Against its full reservoir level of 186 feet, Bhadra currently holds 157.3 feet of water.Rain pounds HassanHassan received heavy rainfall too. Hetturu recorded 152.5 mm in 24 hours on July 31. As per Hassan district administration, Hetturu hobli recorded 152.5 mm, Hanbalu hobli 102.7 mm and Yasaluru hobli 64.8 mm of rain.Officials said the rain in these three hoblis was significantly higher than normal. With showers continuing in parts of Malnad district over the past few days, authorities have asked residents in low-lying areas to remain cautious.
