Kodagu Lashed by Rains: Cauvery Swells, Red Alert Issued, Tourist Entry Restricted

Madikeri: Heavy and relentless rainfall continued to batter Kodagu district on Monday, further intensifying the flood threat in the region. Although Madikeri and Virajpet saw a slight dip in rain intensity, showers persisted. Somwarpet taluk, however, witnessed a sharp rise in rainfall activity.

The Harangi reservoir in Kushalnagar taluk saw a dramatic 2-foot rise in water level within 24 hours — from 2832.78 feet on May 25 to 2834.70 feet on May 26 — with an inflow of 1,693 cusecs. The maximum storage level of the dam is 2859 feet. Meanwhile, the Chiklihole reservoir is overflowing, and the Cauvery River is in full spate, with several waterfalls attracting tourists despite safety concerns.

In Bhagamandala, a staggering 22.50 cm of rain was recorded in just 24 hours (8 am Sunday to 8 am Monday), while other areas like Madikeri, Napoklu (16 cm), Shantalli, Srimangala, Virajpet, Ammatti (15 cm), and Hudikeri (13 cm) reported heavy downpours as well.

Due to rising risks, Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja has issued a ban on entering rivers, streams, and waterfalls, and prohibited heavy vehicles like bullet tankers, timber and sand lorries over 18,500 kg. Exceptions include LPG, milk, fuel, and government vehicles.

In Karadigodu (Ammatti hobli), Cauvery’s swelling has triggered flood fears. Structural damage has been reported, including a collapsed school boundary wall in Arji and a roof fall on Bethu Road. Incidents of tree and electric pole falls have also occurred.

The IMD has declared a red alert in Kodagu for May 27.

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