Harangi dam: Outflow rises to 18,000 cusecs as rains continue in Kodagu

Incessant rains across Kodagu district have led to a sharp rise in inflow into the Harangi dam, prompting the release of 18,000 cusecs of water since 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

Flooding has been reported in some low-lying areas, particularly in Doni Kaadu of Benguru village in Bhagamandala hobli.

The residents used boats for transportation as the region was flooded. Officials of the Madikeri taluk inspected the flood-affected area.

The district recorded an average rainfall of 75.67 mm in the 24-hour ending at 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday, which was higher than the 8.36 mm recorded on the same day last year. Since January, Kodagu has received a total of 989.51 mm rainfall, nearly double the amount of rainfall, 496.42 mm, recorded during the same period in 2024.

Madikeri taluk reported the highest rainfall with an average of 122.45 mm, bringing the annual total to 1,505.52 mm. Virajpet taluk received 72.10 mm with a cumulative 1,025.15 mm this year. Ponnampet recorded 71.07 mm, reaching a total of 902.10 mm, while Somwarpet taluk saw 74.35 mm, taking its annual total to 886.52 mm. Kushalnagar taluk reported 38.40 mm, with a total of 628.24 mm till now.

Among the highest daily rainfall figures, Bhagamandala received 195 mm, followed by Shathalli 140 mm and Sampaje 116 mm, a press release said.

The hobli-wise rainfall is as follows: Madikeri — 90mm, Napoklu — 88.80mm, Hudikeri — 87.60mm, Ponnampet — 80mm, Virajpet — 77.20mm, Ammathi — 67mm, Srimangala — 56.60mm, Balale — 60.09mm, Somwarpet — 74mm, Shanivarasanthe — 48mm, Kodlipet — 35.40mm, Kushalnagar — 24.80mm and Suntikoppa — 52mm.

Due to the rising water levels in the Cauvery river and continuous downpour, Tahsildar Kiran Gowraya conducted an inspection of the hanging bridge near the Rameshwara Temple in Kushalnagar taluk. As a safety measure, entry to the bridge has been prohibited, and the gate has been locked to prevent tourist access to the riverbank.

Published - June 17, 2025 07:55 pm IST