Devastating Deluge: Heavy Rains and Landslides Isolate Coastal Karnataka in Heartbreaking Disconnection
Heavy Rains and Landslips Disrupt Coastal and Interior Karnataka
Heavy rains wreaked havoc across coastal Karnataka and south interior Karnataka on Tuesday, causing massive landslips and travel disruptions. A significant landslip near Harle Estate in Sakaleshpur, Hassan taluk, obliterated a portion of an alternative route to the frequently troubled Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway. The road network in several villages was disrupted, with locals attributing the chaos to the poorly executed Yettinahole project.
Fresh erosion on the Shiradi Ghat stretch of NH 75 at Doddathappale village left numerous travelers stranded, as heavy rains dumped a large mass of mud onto the highway. Among the affected vehicles, a truck overturned, and three others were trapped in the debris. KSRTC buses were stuck for hours until heavy earthmovers cleared the route. The Shiradi Ghat closure and the suspension of train services between Mangaluru and Bengaluru since July 26 have further compounded connectivity issues for Mangaluru. Currently, the coastal city relies on NH 73 via Charmadi Ghat and NH 275 through Sampaje Ghat for connectivity, both of which are vulnerable to landslips. Authorities have banned the movement of heavy vehicles on Charmadi Ghat as a precaution. The Netravathi river, crucial for Dakshina Kannada, is in spate, and water has encroached the Mangaluru-Bengaluru highway near Uppinangady.
In Kodagu, incessant rains over the past ten days have led to widespread destruction. Traffic between Mangaluru and Madikeri was briefly halted due to a landslip at Shekhamale but was cleared by 2 p.m. Multiple mudslide incidents were reported, and six people stranded in floodwaters were rescued in Virajpet taluk. The district administration has relocated residents from Karadigodu village to Siddapura and established a relief center at Kashi Mutt in Bhagamandala for affected families. The Indian Meteorological Department has declared a red alert for Kodagu for the next 48 hours.
With reservoirs nearing capacity, authorities have released excess water, causing flooding in low-lying areas. The Bhadra reservoir’s crest gates were opened as water levels peaked, prompting alerts in downstream regions. The cumulative discharge from the KRS and Kabini reservoirs surpassed 2.3 lakh cusecs, leading the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd. to issue flood warnings to downstream communities.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/heavy-rains-landslips-disconnect-coastal-karnataka-from-rest-of-state/article68464796.ece
Category : Karnataka
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