Hassan/Chikkamagaluru/Shivamogga: Monsoon rain has intensified in Hassan district and the fear of landslides has gripped NH-75 connecting Mangaluru-Bengaluru at Shiradi Ghat. Heavy rainfall caused a massive landslide and disrupted traffic earlier. Mud and slush being washed down over 200 metres of road creating anxiety among commuters. Incomplete retaining wall work has added to their panic.Due to pending work, soil erosion continues on the hillside. However, officials said there is no major threat to traffic for now, as one side of the highway remains open for vehicles. However, authorities are closely monitoring the situation, warning that if the rains continue at this intensity, the risk of damage could increase. Officials have warned homestays and resorts in the taluk not to arrange any trekking activities for tourists during the monsoon.Heavy rain has brought waterfalls back to life across the Malnad region. On NH-75, multiple waterfalls are gushing down from the forests. Tourists are stopping to admire the lush green landscape and cascading water. Commuters are stopping to take selfies and enjoying the view. Waterfalls from Donigal to Addahole are especially scenic, in Sakleshpur taluk.With heavy rain continuing, the district administration has warned people to stay away from rivers, streams, waterfalls and waterbodies. Authorities have also restricted public and tourist visits to areas prone to landslides, flooding and waterlogging in Sakleshpur taluk, including Jadkal, Nadig, Harangi and Hanuru.Officials have ordered a complete ban on tourist entry near waterfalls and trekking spots until further notice. Strict action will be taken under the Disaster Management Act 2005, against those violating the orders.In Chikkamagaluru, rainfall has receded and no major damages reported on Wednesday. However, a boulder slipped on to the road on Charmadi Ghat. Several parts of Mysuru region received heavy rainfall, prompting IMD to issue an orange alert. At the same time, the inflow into major reservoirs increased significantly, bringing relief to authorities.Between 8.30am, Tuesday and 8.30am, Wednesday, Benguru village, Madikeri taluk recorded 211.5mm rainfall, the highest in Karnataka. Honnetalu village in Shivamogga district received 199.5mm of rainfall. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan and Shivamogga districts for Thursday.KARNATAKA DAM INFLOW UPDATEReservoir: inflowKRS Dam: 7,531 cusecsKabini Dam: 10,757 cusecsHemavati Dam: 16,593 cusecsHarangi Dam: 2,090 cusecsSource: KSNDMC
