Karnataka rains: Outflow from Kabini increased to 25,000 cusecs, flood warning issued

A file photo of the Kabini reservoir, which has registered a surge in inflow of water due to rains in the catchment area in Kerala. | Photo Credit: SRIRAM MA

The outflow from the Kabini reservoir in Mysuru district of Karnataka was increased to over 25,000 cusecs on June 18, prompting a flood warning for people living downstream.

The Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) has appealed to residents along both banks of the river to avoid going near the water and to shift, along with their domestic animals and cattle, to higher ground for safety.

The outflow was increased consequent to rise in the rate of inflow into the reservoir, which was nearing its capacity. The inflow was 21,545 cusecs at 12 noon on June 18 while the water level was 2,280.84 ft against the capacity of 2,284 feet.

The increase in inflow was attributed to heavy rains in the catchment region of the Kapila river in the Wayanad region of Kerala.

KRS in Mandya

The rate of inflow into the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in Mandya district has also increased due to heavy rains in Kodagu district. The inflow was 29,368 cusecs while the reservoir level was 113.25 ft against its capacity of 124.80 feet.

Kodagu district was a beneficiary of the early onset of the South West Monsoon this year, but after a week of intense rains in the last week of May, there was a lull. As a result, the figures for June indicated a deficit in rainfall. But the monsoon gained fresh vigour during the last 48 hours, which resulted in an increase in inflow into various reservoirs, including KRS and Harangi.

Though the rains have relatively abated as on June 18, the water flow continues to benefit from the rains received over the past two days.

During the 24-hour period ending 8.30 a.m. on June 18, Bhagamandala recorded 91.20 mm of rain while Shanthalli received 80 mm. Napoklu (50.80 mm), Virajpet (49 mm) and Ammathi (47.50 mm) were other areas in the district that received a significant amount of rain.

Published - June 18, 2025 02:48 pm IST