Harangi reservoir reaches brim; other dams fast filling up

Bangalore, July 3 (UNI) With torrential rains lashing the catchment areas of Cauvery basin reservoirs in Karnataka without any let up, the water level at Harangi reservoir has reached its brim of 2,859 feet and the other dams were fast nearing the maximum level.

The authorities have thrown open all the four crest gates of Harangi since last evening. The inflow into the reservoir was 12,101 cusecs.

Six-feet-high water could be seen in the confluence of river Cauvery at Bhagamandala, cutting off four villages from the rest of the country. Many tourists visiting TalaCauvery, the originating place of the river, had to return, with rain water inundating the entire area.

People living in low lying areas like Bhagamandala, Bethri, Karadigodu and Dubare have been evacuated to safer places.

The water level at Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir, near Mysore, had touched 106.18 feet as against the maximum level of 124.80 feet.

While the inflow into the dam was 17,134 cusecs, the outflow was restricted to 343 cusecs.

With copious rains in Wayanad district of Kerala, the inflow into Kabini reservoir was 25,029 cusecs and the discharge was 30,396 cusecs. The water level was recorded at 2280.66 feet as against the full level of 2284 feet.

Residents of the hilly Kodagu district did not receive any respite from the heavy downpour following the Southwest monsoon and gusty winds, lashing the district since yesterday.

Most parts of the district have been plunged into darkness, with many electric poles falling. Telephone services have also been hit severely. Uprooted and fallen trees were a common sight in the district, blocking vehicular traffic.

Three school children had a miraculous escape when a tree fell on the autorickshaw in which they were going to school in Madikeri this morning. The driver received serious injuries and was admitted to a Government Hospital.

A shopping complex in the heart of Madikeri town was damaged in a landslide last night, injuring one person.

Following the rain fury, Zila Panchayat president Ashok Kumar declared a three-day holiday for schools in Kodagu district.

UNI XR-BSP GD AK BD1952