Chikkamagaluru: Normal life was disrupted across the Malnad regions of Chikkamagaluru and Hassan districts as heavy rain continued to lash the area from Sunday evening.Chikkamagaluru district recorded 41.8mm of rainfall between Monday morning and Tuesday morning. Sringeri received the highest rainfall at 104.2mm, followed by Mudigere and Koppa. In Hassan district, Hetthur in Sakleshpur taluk recorded the highest rainfall of 122mm.Heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds caused widespread damage across the region, with several trees uprooted and electric poles damaged, according to officials.Apart from damage to houses, minor landslides were reported in rural parts of Chikkamagaluru district. Several houses were damaged in Mudigere. Connectivity to some villages was disrupted due to road blockades caused by fallen trees and landslides.Water levels in the Tunga, Bhadra, Hemavathi and Netravathi rivers rose steadily. The Tunga River overflowed into low-lying areas in and around Sringeri, inundating paddy fields and roads. Authorities have issued an alert for villages located at the foothills of Charmadi Ghat, where the risk of landslides has increased significantly. The district administration has put emergency measures in place and launched helpline numbers for residents.Heavy rain also lashed Sakleshpur, Belur and Alur taluks in Hassan district. Two houses collapsed in Sakleshpur, while landslides were reported on a national highway. MP Shreyas Patel visited the affected areas and directed officials to take immediate remedial measures.In view of the heavy rainfall, schools in the Malnad region of both districts were declared closed for a day.
