Rains pound Karnataka: Tourists must avoid Kodagu, entry into Ranganathittu barred

Bengaluru, Aug 16: Karnataka, like Kerala too has borne the brunt of the rains. Tourists have been told to put off their visit to Kodagu, the birth place of river Cauvery as incessant rains have flooded the roads and disrupted traffic movement.

Deputy Commissioner Srividya said in a press release that record rainfall this year had resulted in the Cauvery overflowing in many places and rivulets and streams near places of tourist interest swelling, causing inundation of low-lying areas.

Movement of traffic on important district roads and those connecting hinterland has been temporarily suspended owing to landslips and erosion. Besides, the authorities have evacuated local people from their houses at many locations as they were damaged owing to rain and posed a risk to life, the release stated.

The release also stated, "the advisory is an appeal to tourists to postpone their visit to Kodagu in view of the current situation in the district and in their own interest. Those intending to visit Kodagu and the general public should also be abreast of the damage caused by nature's fury and take steps to stay safe."

On Thursday large portions of land were underwater, including the Ranganathittu bird sanctuary at Srirangapatna. Entry of tourists has been banned indefinitely.

Meanwhile heavy rains followed by landslides has paralysed vehicular movement on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru highway. Landslides were reported in various parts of Kodagu, Shiradi Ghat which led to over 400 vehicles being stranded.