Bantwal: The Netravati river witnessed its first major surge of the monsoon season in Bantwal, with the water level rising close to the danger mark following incessant rainfall across the taluk and the release of water from upstream reservoirs. Authorities have placed the administration on high alert, warned residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, and kept relief centres ready in case evacuation becomes necessary.

River level rises sharply

The Netravati river swelled rapidly on Saturday, reaching 8.4 metres at around 9 pm, just below the 8.5-metre danger mark, triggering concerns of flooding in several low-lying areas.

At the river water level monitoring centre in Kanchikarpete, the level increased from 5.6 metres on Saturday morning to 7.5 metres by the evening, indicating a sharp rise within a few hours. Officials said the flow intensified further following the release of water from the AMR and Neerakatte dams, adding to the heavy inflow caused by continuous rainfall.

The sharp increase in the river level marked the first significant flooding threat in Bantwal during the current monsoon season.

Low-lying areas begin to flood

As the river continued to swell, floodwaters began flowing back into connecting streams, leading to inundation in several parts of the taluk.

Waterlogging was reported in streams around Baddakatte, the Aladka area of Panemangalore, and sections of the Panemangalore school playground. Floodwaters also entered Aladka town, the premises of the Ajilamogaru mosque, and low-lying areas in Kotekani.

The backflow of water highlighted the growing flood risk for settlements located close to the river and connected waterways.

Traffic disrupted after road goes under water

The rising floodwaters also disrupted road connectivity in the taluk.

Water overflowed onto the road at Kotekani on the highway linking Jakribettu through Bantwal town towards Beltangady, forcing authorities to halt vehicle movement. The inundation temporarily cut off road connectivity between Bantwal and Beltangady, causing inconvenience to commuters and motorists.

Officials are monitoring the situation and are expected to reopen the stretch once the water level recedes and travel becomes safe.

Administration issues flood warning

The taluk administration has appealed to residents living along the riverbanks and in flood-prone localities to remain on high alert as the river continues to flow close to the danger mark.

Officials said preparations have already been made to shift families from vulnerable locations to safer places if the situation deteriorates. Residents have been advised to cooperate with authorities and avoid venturing into flooded areas or attempting to cross submerged roads.

Houses under threat

Floodwaters have already reached the steps of six houses in the Panemangalore-Aladka area, prompting officials to ask members of 15 households to move to safer locations as a precautionary measure.

Authorities have also alerted residents in other flood-prone localities, including Kanchikarpete, Bastipadpu, Jakribettu, the SVS School ground area, Navoor and Nandavara, where flooding is likely if the river level rises further.

Continuous monitoring is being carried out to assess the changing situation.

MLA directs officials to remain at headquarters

Following the rapid rise in the river level, Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik directed Tahsildar Manjunath to take immediate precautionary measures.

The MLA instructed all taluk-level officials to remain stationed at the taluk headquarters until the flood threat subsides, ensuring that emergency response teams are available for immediate deployment if required.

The directions were issued to strengthen coordination among various departments during any emergency.

Relief centres kept ready

To prepare for a possible flood situation, the administration has completed arrangements to open relief centres, locally known as ganji kendras, at SVS School and Panemangalore Sharada High School.

Municipal Chief Officer Theerthaprasad has been appointed as the nodal officer to supervise relief operations and coordinate rehabilitation measures if evacuations become necessary.

Officials said adequate arrangements have been made to provide shelter and essential facilities to affected residents should floodwaters continue to rise.

Heavy rain causes widespread disruption

Apart from the flood threat, persistent heavy rainfall throughout Saturday caused damage to houses and disrupted transport across the taluk.

Several roads were blocked after trees were uprooted by strong winds and rain, while local authorities and emergency personnel worked to clear obstructions and restore connectivity wherever possible.

With the river remaining just below the danger mark and more rainfall forecast, the administration has urged residents to closely follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel through waterlogged areas until conditions improve.