Mysuru: In the past few days there has been more than normal monsoon rainfall along the Ghat section of Hassan-Mangaluru Railway lines, especially between Subramanya Road Station and Yedakumeri Station. This more than normal rainfall has caused series of landslides and boulders slips obstructing the Railway line and in places damaging in a stretch of 27 kms.

These landslides have occurred in more than ten places. The first one was noticed at 6.25 am yesterday (June 11) and an expert team of officers including the engineers rushed to the spot and undertook the restoration work, said South Western Railway, Public Relations Officer and Divisional Commercial Manager Dr.S.G. Yatish in a statement.

He said that since the landslide happened at multiple locations, train number 16515 Yeswanthpur – Karwar Express on June 11 was terminated at Hassan Station and passengers refunded the full amount of fare.

Arrangements had been made with KSRTC at Hassan for facilitating onward journey of passengers who wanted to continue their journey further, he added.

“The inclement weather condition is monitored closely and all safety precautions prescribed for monsoon are strictly enforced. Track Patrolling staff are pressed into service and other safety related staff are put on high alert,” said Dr. Yathish.

Monsoon is expected to be more than normal for a period of 2-3 months. The rainfall during the last monsoon was 245 mm and the rainfall for the current season till today is 810 mm, that is 230.612 per cent more compared to last year. Therefore, public are requested to observe the forecast for rain and plan the journey accordingly, he said in the press release.

Normal life disrupted

The students, labourers and daily commuters were severely affected by the incessant rain in this section. The traffic was completely disrupted near Charmudi Ghats of Belthangady Taluk in Dakshina Kannada District where the landslide occurred. Boulders and stones fell on the road blocking the traffic which piled up for nearly four kilometres.

The Police later diverted the traffic near Kottigehara via Dharmasthala and Ujjire Road. Likewise the vehicles moving towards Mangaluru were diverted via S.K. Border and Kuduremukh.

A huge tree had fallen in Mylimane village near Chikmagalur and as a result two houses were completely destroyed. Fortunately, no one was in the house at that time. Due to heavy rains the traffic on Alduru Road was stopped.

The river in Kukke Subbaramanya has reached danger levels due to continuous heavy rains and it has affected the people visiting the temple.

KRS water level rises

The water level in Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam is rising steadily and today it stands at 82.80 feet. Last year at the same time it stood at just 67.51 feet. The inflow today is 17,883 cusecs — just on one day there was an inflow of 15,000 cusecs. The farmers in the Cauvery basin are happy as their farming activities will get a push.