Heavy Rains Lash Karnataka’s Malnad Region, Swelling Rivers and Increasing Reservoir Inflows
Persistent moderate to heavy rainfall over two days across Karnataka’s Malnad region has thrown daily life out of gear, causing major rivers to overflow and steadily increasing water inflows into key regional reservoirs. In response to the intense downpour, local authorities declared a holiday for primary schools and anganwadi centres in specific areas on August 1, 2026, while the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru districts.
What Happened
The Malnad belt experienced rainfall well above normal levels in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 a.m. on August 1. Shivamogga district received an average of 52 mm against its normal 24 mm, Chikkamagaluru logged 45 mm against a 19 mm average, and Hassan recorded 20 mm against a normal of 8 mm. The highest local rainfall recorded across Karnataka was 294.5 mm at Begar in Sringeri taluk, followed by Agumbe in Tirthahalli taluk with 279 mm, and Hongadahalla in Hassan district with 180.5 mm. High rainfall prompted officials to shut primary schools and anganwadi centres in Sringeri taluk, Koppa taluk, and Balehonnur hobli of N.R. Pura taluk.
Key Highlights
- IMD issued a red alert for Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Dakshina Kannada with warnings of wind speeds up to 40-60 km/h and localized rainfall reaching 204.5 mm.
- Begar in Sringeri taluk recorded the state’s highest rainfall at 294.5 mm, followed by Agumbe at 279 mm.
- Average taluk rainfall in Chikkamagaluru included Sringeri (197 mm), Koppa (130 mm), Kalasa (99 mm), N R Pura (53 mm), Mudigere (49 mm), Chikkamagaluru (20 mm), Tarikere (19 mm), Ajjampura (5 mm), and Kadur (3 mm).
- Average taluk rainfall in Shivamogga included Tirthahalli (98 mm), Hosanagara (80.6 mm), Sagara (52.7 mm), Sorab (48.9 mm), Shikaripur (26.4 mm), Shivamogga (12.1 mm), and Bhadravati (9.6 mm).
- Tunga dam near Shivamogga reached near full capacity with 3.21 TMC storage against 3.24 TMC, maintaining outflow at 27,119 cusecs.
- Linganamakki reservoir recorded an inflow of 38,183 cusecs, bringing storage to 51.32 TMC (capacity 151.75 TMC), which remains lower than the 127.37 TMC recorded in the same period in 2025.
- Bhadra reservoir water level reached 2,129 ft (capacity 2,158 ft) with gross storage of 40.41 TMC against 71.54 TMC capacity.
- Hemavathi reservoir inflow reached 11,686 cusecs, raising water level to 2,909.06 ft against a 2,922 ft full reservoir level.
Why This Matters
The intense precipitation and overflowing catchments have driven rapid water accumulation in critical power and irrigation reservoirs across Karnataka, such as Linganamakki, Bhadra, Hemavathi, and Tunga. Elevated water discharge from nearly full dams like Tunga has caused downstream rivers like the Sharavati to overflow, impacting nearby rural and urban routine activity.
What to Watch Next
Authorities will continue monitoring reservoir storage levels and discharge rates as heavy inflow persists, while residents in red-alert districts follow official advisories regarding weather conditions and local school operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which districts were placed under a red alert?
The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru districts on August 1.
Where were school holidays declared?
Authorities declared holidays for primary schools and anganwadi centres in Sringeri taluk, Koppa taluk, and Balehonnur hobli of N.R. Pura taluk on August 1.
Which location received the highest rainfall in Karnataka?
Begar in Sringeri taluk of Chikkamagaluru district recorded the state’s highest rainfall of 294.5 mm during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m. on August 1.
Source: Based on reporting by The Hindu.