Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding In Sringeri; Tunga River Exceeds Danger Mark: Math Issues Warning

Incessant rainfall continues to wreak havoc in the Malnad region, particularly affecting Sringeri town in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka. The Tunga River has surged due to heavy showers over the past few days, resulting in partial flooding of Sringeri town. Areas along the riverbank, including shops and parking lots near the temple, have been inundated as water levels rose sharply.

Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, also known as Sringeri Math, has issued a cautionary note advising devotees to exercise caution when traveling to Sringeri. The Math's official handle warned that while transportation between Bangalore and Sringeri, as well as Shivamogga and Sringeri, is currently normal, the situation can change at any moment due to the terrain's susceptibility to landslides and tree uprooting.

Similarly, travel between Mangalore and Sringeri remains unaffected as of now. However, the Math emphasized the unpredictable nature of the situation and urged travelers to stay informed and check with local authorities before embarking on their journeys.

The official handle of Sringeri Math underscored the importance of safety measures in light of the heavy rainfall. They highlighted that traditional gatherings for darshana of Jagadgurus on 'Guru Poornima,' a sacred occasion honoring Brahma Vidyacharyas, continue amidst the weather challenges.

According to meteorological reports, Sringeri received a significant 190 mm of rainfall on July 15. While weather experts anticipate a reduction in rainfall intensity by the weekend, ongoing concerns persist due to the possibility of continued heavy rains.

Videos shared on social media by weather enthusiasts depict the current weather conditions in Sringeri and nearby areas. Heavy rainfall has led to elevated water levels in the Tunga River, with warnings that further downpours could potentially lead to the river touching its highest flood level this season

Pointing to a video on 'X', a weather enthusiast calling himself Ghats of Karnataka (@ByTheRiverTunga) on 'X', said Heavy rain returned early this morning after a day's break. Tunga remains above the danger mark. Given the already elevated water levels, if very heavy rains lash for the next 2-3 days, the Tunga River may even touch its HFL this season.

Another 'X' user, Naveen Reddy (@navin_ankampali) shared a video and wrote,''It's raining heavily in #Sringeri and Koppa taluks. Somewhere near Herur, Koppa Taluk.''

As the region navigates through this weather crisis, with Chaturmasya, a sacred period in Hindu tradition, ongoing, Sringeri Math anticipates a surge in devotees seeking darshan of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Sringeri holds significant spiritual importance as one of the foremost Aamnaaya Peethams established by Adi Shankaracharya.