With heavy rains pounding the Hemavathi river basin and the dam nearing capacity, authorities have released between 55,000 to 65,000 cusecs of water, with the possibility of the outflow reaching 1 lakh cusecs by Friday morning. Flood alerts have been issued, and residents downstream have been cautioned to move to safer areas.
The Yagachi reservoir in Belur taluk is also full, with water being released from five crest gates. A massive tree was uprooted near the football court of Hassan district stadium, and a lake breach in Arehalli, Belur taluk, has submerged paddy saplings on 12 acres. Paddy fields on the outskirts of Sakleshpur town are inundated, and landslips have been reported in Malali village, threatening five houses.
Hemavathi river water overflowed on Hethuru-Kumbarahalli road in Sakleshpur taluk, disrupting traffic. Similar disruptions occurred on the bridge on Matasagar-Kempenal road and a bridge near Sankalapura. Rainfall measurements over 24 hours included 15.4 cm in Hethuru, 13.3 cm in Yesaluru, 12.7 cm in Hanubalu, and 10.4 cm in Sakleshpur.
Due to the severe weather, DDPI H K Pandu declared a holiday for schools in Hassan, Arkalgud, Sakleshpur, Alur, Belur, and Holenarsipur taluks on July 26.