Koratagere receives record 637mm of rainfall in one hour!

Team Udayavani, Aug 20, 2024, 8:46 PM IST

Koratagere: A heavy downpour lasting just two hours on August 20, led to flooding in Koratagere town and surrounding rural areas. Approximately 60 houses and over 40 shops were submerged in water, resulting in significant damage. Farmers have reported crop losses worth crores as fields were flooded.

Record Rainfall:

Koratagere witnessed an unprecedented 637 mm of rainfall in just one hour. This surpasses the average annual monsoon rainfall of 634 mm the town receives. Heavy rain was also recorded in nearby areas like Holavanahalli (154.2 mm) and Kolala (155.8 mm).

Flooded Roads and Damage:

Many roads were submerged, causing vehicles to stall and float away. The town’s main road was blocked, and residential areas faced severe waterlogging, damaging food grains and other essentials. The road connecting Budamaranahalli was washed away, cutting off access.

Due to encroachment on the rajakaluve and main drains, rainwater entered over 40 shops near Kanakadasa Circle and Shivaganga Theater, causing extensive damage, especially to fruit, cement, and clothing stores. The losses are estimated in lakhs.

Twenty-five lakes in the region, including Timmannahalli and Bairenahalli, are overflowing. The Suvarnamukhi and Jayamangali rivers are also full, nearing capacity.

Tehsildar Manjunath K. rushed to the town and camped at the site, coordinating with fire, municipal, and BESCOM officials until late at night to assess the damage. He urged residents to report any emergencies immediately.

District Commissioner Shubha Kalyan and SP Ashok inspected flood-affected areas like Channasagara and Nanjapura. They warned that if rain continues, the Suvarnamukhi, Jayamangali, and Garudachala rivers may overflow beyond the danger mark. Residents living near these rivers have been advised to move to safer locations.

Safety Warnings Issued:

The district administration has directed officials to remain at their posts and monitor the situation. The public is urged to stay alert and move away from riverbanks during heavy rainfall. Emergency shelters are on standby for those in need.