MYSURU, 25 JUNE

A flood alert has been issued by the Srirangapatna revenue office in Mandya district on Wednesday for areas along the Cauvery river and downstream areas of the Krishnarajasagar Dam, with the dam nearing its full capacity.

On Wednesday, the dam’s water capacity reached 121. 40 feet against a maximum of 124.80 feet. As the dam’s inflow increased by 50,000 cusecs following heavy rains in its catchments areas at Kodagu and discharge of water from the Hemavathi and Harangi Dams, it will reach its full capacity by 26 June.

Officials also advised people residing on both sides of the Cauvery river and in low-lying areas to move to safer locations as surplus water from the KRS dam would be released downstream any moment.

In view of the inclement weather, an order was issued restricting the entry of tourists in prominent tourist destinations like Balamuri, Yedamuri, Gosai Ghat, Nimishamba and Sriranganatha temples and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. People were also barred from making offerings for the dead as part of funeral rituals on the banks of the Cauvery until further orders.

Rain continues to pound coastal districts

The IMD forecast heavy rains in coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada, and adjacent districts Belagavi, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts. It issued an orange alert for the districts till 27 June. A yellow alert was also issued for Dharwad and Kodagu district till Wednesday.

With winds likely to touch 60kmph, fishermen were asked to be cautious.

The Krishna, Dudhaganga and Vedganga rivers were in spate due to rains in south Maharashtra.