Haveri: The steady rise in the Varada and Tungabhadra rivers, triggered by heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats and local showers in Haveri, has disrupted normal life in the district. Three key bridges are already submerged, forcing people from six villages to take long detours for daily travel.

Water from upstream Western Ghat districts has surged into Haveri, adding to the river volume already swollen by local rains. In Haveri taluk, the Naganur–Koodal bridge is underwater, cutting off direct access. In Savanur taluk, the Kalasur–Devagiri bridge via Kolur remains submerged for days, drastically increasing travel time. Similarly, in Hanagal taluk, floodwaters from the Varada have overtaken a small bridge on the Lakmapur–Balambid road, halting connectivity.

The memory of last year’s floods looms large, when villages like Neeralagi, Savur, Chikkalingadahalli, and Konanathambagi were inundated and residents were evacuated. Many fear history may repeat.

Rainfall trends show mixed signals. While the district saw 0.77 cm rainfall between July 8–9 (16.67% above average for that period), overall rainfall from July 1–9 remains 19.20% below normal. Byadgi, Ranebennur, and Rattihalli received above-average rain, while other taluks, including Haveri, lag behind.

Damage assessment reveals significant destruction:

  • 55 houses affected (19 cleared for compensation)

  • 5 school/anganwadi buildings damaged

  • Power infrastructure loss: 2,043 poles, 24 transformers, 2 towers, 4.39 km of lines

  • Estimated loss: ₹299.55 lakh

    • Authorities remain on alert, with locals hoping for swift relief before waters rise further.