Madikeri: The monsoon intensified across Kodagu district on Friday, with the Cauvery River overflowing at Bhagamandala for the first time this year, a common occurrence during the peak monsoon season.Bhagamandala recorded 125mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8am on Saturday. Since Jan, the region has received 2,170mm of rainfall, compared with 4,724mm during the corresponding period last year.The highest rainfall in the district during the period was recorded at Shanthalli in the Pushpagiri region of Somwarpet taluk, where 183mm of rain was reported. Heavy rain in the Harangi dam catchment area has increased inflow to 20,000 cusecs, all of which is being released into the river, assistant executive engineer IK Puttaswamy said. Floodwaters have partially submerged the bridge downstream of the dam, disrupting traffic on the Kushalnagar-Somwarpet road.To prevent tourists and the public from approaching the flooded bridge, Kushalnagar Rural police have installed barricades on both sides and deployed personnel at the site. Meanwhile, heavy showers triggered a landslide at Second Monnangeri village, affecting vehicular movement.
