Rain continues to batter North Karnataka districts

Incessant rain continued to batter the districts of Dharwad, Gadag, Davangere, Haveri and Uttara Kannada on Tuesday causing damage to houses and crops, severing road connectivity at a few places and forcing people to be shifted to relief centres.

As the crest gates of Linganamakki Reservoir in Honnavar taluk of Uttara Kannada were opened to release 15,000 cusecs of water on Tuesday, the district administration took steps to relocate 35 families to relief centres as a precautionary measure.

Speaking to presspersons in Karwar on Tuesday, Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Kannada K. Lakshmipriya said that although the release of 15,000 cusecs of water from Linganamakki reservoir is not likely to cause any inundation in villages, they have taken steps to shift families living in 35 houses in the district as a precautionary measure.

“A team led by Honnavar tahsildar and others has begun shifting them to relief centres. So far, 101 residents, 37 women, 48 men and 16 children, have been shifted to three relief centres set up to shelter them. A few of the residents subsequently proceeded to the houses of their relatives. For cattle also, they have made alternative arrangements,” she said.

The Deputy Commissioner said that if 1,00,000 cusecs of water is released from the Linganamakki reservoir, then 18 gram panchayats in the district will get affected.

“However, as per data, inflow at Linganamakki reservoir is itself around 48,000 cusecs as of now and in the worst case, the outflow may be increased to 50,000 cusecs. And, in such a case, 163 houses will be affected.  But as per the latest report, the inflow at the dam is decreasing due to reducing rain intensity. Any way, we have a buffer time of four-five hours to come up with contingency measures,” she said.

Kadra water release

Meanwhile, six crest gates of the Kadra Dam in the district were opened on Tuesday afternoon. The total outflow from the reservoir including the release for power generation stood at 51,000 cusecs.

The Deputy Commissioner said that release of 51,000 cusecs of water is unlikely to cause any problem downstream, but they are ready with contingency plans.

Road connectivity severed

Meanwhile, in Haveri district, water level has increased in the Varada severing connectivity between villages at three places.

Connectivity on the Kalasur-Haveri/Karjagi Road in Savanur taluk, Lakamapur-Balambeed Road in Hangal taluk and Kudala-Naganur Road in Hangal taluk has been severed due to an overflowing Varada and motorists are being diverted on alternative routes.

House damage

In Dharwad district, rainfall in the last 48 hours has caused partial damage to 47 houses.

According to the authorities, 25 houses have suffered partial damage in Dharwad taluk, 10 in Hubballi Urban taluk, seven in Kalghatgi taluk, three in Hubballi Rural taluk and two in Kundgol taluk.

There have been no reports any human or animal casualties, a release from the District Disaster Management Authority said.

In the last 48 hours, a few trees were uprooted damaging a few vehicles. On Monday night, a huge tree near Brindavan hotel in Dharwad was uprooted damaging eight vehicles and on Tuesday, another tree was uprooted near Shirur Park in Hubballi damaging a car.

Fortunately, none was hurt in these mishaps.