The district administration of Belagavi in Karnataka has issued a cautionary advisory for residents as heavy rains continue to lash the region, causing rivers to swell and submerging low-lying bridges. Officials warned people against venturing into rivers or attempting to cross submerged bridges, citing the risk of drowning and other flood-related hazards.
Rivers in Spate After Downpour
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Belagavi received 89 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending Tuesday morning, significantly above the seasonal average. The downpour has led to a sharp rise in water levels across several rivers, including the Krishna, Ghataprabha, and Malaprabha. The Krishna River at Kudachi crossed the danger mark, flowing at 12.3 meters against the warning level of 11.8 meters.
Local authorities reported that at least five low-level bridges have been submerged, cutting off road connectivity to several villages in Chikkodi and Raibag taluks. The affected bridges include the one over the Hiranyakeshi River at Nippani and the bridge on the Ghataprabha near Gokak Falls.
Evacuations and Relief Measures
Deputy Commissioner of Belagavi, Dr. S. S. Pattanshetti, stated that the district has set up 12 relief camps in low-lying areas, with a capacity to house over 2,000 people. As of Tuesday evening, around 450 residents from flood-prone villages have been evacuated to safer locations. "We are monitoring the situation round-the-clock and have deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in vulnerable areas," he said.
The district administration has also closed schools and colleges in the affected taluks for two days as a precautionary measure. Farmers in the region have been advised to move their livestock to higher ground, as waterlogging has damaged standing crops in over 500 hectares of agricultural land, primarily paddy and sugarcane.
Weather Warning and Precautionary Advice
IMD has issued an orange alert for Belagavi and neighboring districts, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. The department warned of possible flash floods and landslides in hilly areas. Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from riverbanks and low-lying bridges.
"People should not attempt to cross submerged bridges even if they appear safe. The current can be deceptive and extremely dangerous," cautioned Dr. Pattanshetti. The district has also set up a helpline number (1077) for emergency assistance.
