Torrential rains accompanied by strong winds unleashed havoc in Kodagu district on Saturday afternoon, leading to widespread damage and disruption. In Madikeri city, near Field Marshal Kariappa College, a massive tree fell onto the road, obstructing traffic between Madikeri and Ghandipad and leaving motorists stranded.
The intense downpour also resulted in the uprooting of several electric poles, causing power outages across the affected areas for the past two hours. Prompt response teams from the Forest Department and Karnataka Electricity Board (KEB) mobilized swiftly. Despite the ongoing rain, efforts are underway to clear the fallen tree and restore electricity. KEB crews are preparing to install a new electric pole once the debris is removed.
The Indian Meteorological Department issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall in Kodagu district until July 20, advising residents to exercise caution. The increased precipitation raised water levels in the Harangi reservoir significantly. Authorities preemptively released 4 thousand cusecs of water into the river to manage the rising levels, with the reservoir nearing capacity at 2854.5 feet and expecting further inflows from the Harangi basin due to ongoing rainfall.
The severe weather conditions caused extensive property damage, including houses washed away and structural collapses reported in Somwarpet and Madikeri taluks. Multiple house walls collapsed in places like Attur village and Gaudalli, while incidents of tree branches falling on parked cars were reported in Somwarpet, damaging six vehicles. Tragically, a three-month-old cow in Chaudlu village succumbed to electrocution from a snapped electric wire, devastating its owner, Suresh.
Authorities, including tehsildars from respective taluks, are actively assessing the damage caused by the rain and coordinating relief efforts.