Heavy rains in Kodagu; schools, colleges shut

Rains continued to lash across Karnataka, especially in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Belagavi and parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Heavy to very heavy rains across Kodagu were seen since the last few days. While there were no casualties, there were several incidents of flooding, damage to property, falling of trees and snapping of electricity wires. Meanwhile, schools and colleges were shut on Monday.

The district received 93.2 mm of rainfall for the 24-hour period ending 8.30 a.m on Sunday, with Madikeri taluk receiving the highest rainfall during the period, with 124.3 mm of rains.

Following heavy rainfall, the district administration had conducted a review meeting of its rain preparedness to meet any eventuality and has directed the deployment of expert swimmers, motorized boats for evacuation of people in low-lying areas along the river banks in case of an emergency, and the establishment of relief centres.

In view of the timely onset of the southwest monsoon this year, it has ushered in a ray of hope among the farmers, and agricultural activity has intensified.

The Indian Meteorological Department had earlier stated that enhanced rainfall activity is very likely to continue over coastal Karnataka, Goa and south Konkan during next two days. Extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places is also very likely over coastal Karnataka during next 24 hours. The rainfall activity over these regions is likely to reduce from June 12 onwards.