Heavy rain in Kodagu severs Road link to Kerala

Madikeri: Even as massive landslides leading to huge traffic pileups were reported in the Charmadi Ghats and coastal regions in Karnataka as the  monsoon fury continued unabated yesterday, rivers and rivulets continue to overflow, blocking several roads in Kodagu.

Trees have been uprooted at many places, cutting off power lines and roads have caved-in blocking the smooth passage of vehicles. Landslides too have been reported in several places. The link between Kerala and Karnataka via Virajpet has been blocked as Makutta River is overflowing, causing widespread destruction.

Though the early entry of monsoon and widespread rain has brought smiles on the faces of farmers, the standing crops including that of coffee, ginger, and arecanut were badly affected due to continuous flood water flowing in hundreds of hectares of land in Kodagu.

Somwarpet and Virajpet Taluks have been receiving heavy rainfall and as some main roads were blocked, the Kodagu District Administration has declared a holiday for schools today. However, colleges will be open.

Among the places that received maximum rainfall yesterday were Balele, Kottageri, Nittoor, Kanoor, Ponnampet, T. Shettigeri, Kutta and surrounding areas. The Lakshmanatheertha River is in full spate and the river has blocked several roads. As water flowed forcefully, several fields where roads have been built caved-in at Kottageri. Even concrete roads have not withstood the water flow.

This morning, while the Harihara-T. Shettigeri Bridge was overflowing, Ponnampet-Nadikeri-Kutta road was blocked as one truck and a private bus veered off the road and stood in ‘V’ shape, blocking the way.

Kerala link cut

The crucial link between Kodagu and Kerala via Virajpet has been severed as the Makutta River is overflowing and at many places, there is no difference between a road and a bridge. According to residents, though there is a break in the rain, water gushing from the thick forest and hilly areas is causing extensive damage. Landslides too have been reported on the stretch and several roads too have caved in.

Along with mud and other residues, the water current is carrying fallen trees and dried wood along with it and water has entered all those houses that have been built by the side of the Makutta Road. Many travellers from Kerala towards Virajpet and from Virajpet to Kerala are stranded and as Virajpet is a commercial hub, most of the goods and vegetables come from Kerala. All the supplies have now been disrupted.

Rehabilitation centre

At Karadigodu and Nellihudikeri near Siddapur, the River Cauvery is flowing in full spate and those living on the banks of the river have been asked to move to a food and rehabilitation centre (Ganji Kendra) set up at Karadigodu Government Primary School. Over 173 families have been provided temporary shelter at the Ganji Kendra.

The Balamuri mini bridge has been submerged and the Cauvery water level is continuously rising in Bethri, Mutharmudi and Kadanoor. It requires just a foot or two for River Cauvery to submerge the Bethri Bridge.

Rainfall data

As on this morning (June 13), Madikeri Taluk has received 102.55 mm in the last 24 hours, Virajpet Taluk 176.32 mm while Somwarpet received 29.08 mm rainfall. The District average is 102.65 mm.

Madikeri town received 41.80 mm, Napoklu 194.40 mm, Sampaje 42.60 mm, Bhagamandala 131.40, Virajpet 83.20 mm, Hudikeri 318.50 mm, Srimangala 320.00 mm, Ponnampet 225.20 mm, Ammathi 52.00 mm, Balele 59.00 mm, Somwarpet 3.20 mm, Shanivarsanthe 19.40 mm, Shanthalli 85.00 mm, Kodlipet 25.20 mm, Kushalnagar 2.40 mm and Suntikoppa received 12.30 mm.

Charmadi Ghat closed for vehicular traffic for 2 days

The Police, with the help of local villagers and earth-movers yesterday made way for the serpentine traffic piled up in 16-km Charmadi Ghat on National Highway 75.

As many as 210 vehicles, mostly large vehicles, buses and four wheelers, 150 two-wheelers and 1,500 people stranded due to the landslide had a harrowing time.

The ghat section will be closed for two days for vehicular movement. All the vehicles are diverted via Sampaje-Madikeri or Naravi-Bajegoli-Mudigere-Belur route. If landslide still continues, Charmadi Ghat may be blocked for some more days.