Daijiworld Media Network- Chikkamagaluru

Chikkamagaluru, Jul 26: Torrential rains continue to lash Chikkamagaluru district, triggering landslides, river overflows, and widespread disruption across the Malnad region. In a serious development, a portion of a hillock collapsed near Kerekatti on National Highway 169, which connects Sringeri and Mangaluru, bringing vehicular movement to a complete halt.

With the Tunga and Bhadra rivers flowing well above danger levels, the temple town of Sringeri is on high alert. The Meteorological Department has declared an orange alert for the region, forecasting continued heavy rainfall. As a precautionary measure, authorities have declared holidays for all schools and Anganwadi centres in the district.

The Kappe Shankara Temple, located on the banks of the Tunga River near the historic Sringeri Sharada Peetha, has been completely submerged — an annual occurrence that has returned with greater intensity this year. The Tunga's rising waters now threaten to breach into the Gandhi Maidan, a key parking and public space near the temple, with fears mounting over further flooding in the vicinity of the mutt.

In the Kalasa region, similar scenes of concern are unfolding as the Bhadra River continues to swell, fed by relentless downpours in the Western Ghats. Officials have confirmed a sharp increase in inflow into both Tunga and Bhadra, with downstream areas of North Karnataka likely to face the brunt if the rains persist.

In another rain-related incident, a large tree toppled onto a house in Devadana village, severely damaging the residence of a man named Sharif. Essential household goods, including food grains, were destroyed. The Shaurya Disaster Response Team rushed to the spot and cleared the fallen tree, preventing further risk to nearby homes.

As the rains show no signs of slowing, district authorities have intensified monitoring and urged the public to avoid travel in vulnerable areas. Emergency services remain on alert, and residents living near riverbanks have been asked to remain vigilant.