Belagavi
Continuous rains over the past two days in Savadatti taluk have caused widespread disruption, damaging property and affecting daily life. Rainwater entered several homes, while many roads were flooded due to blocked ditches. In multiple locations, house walls collapsed, leaving some homes uninhabitable.
In Hittanagi village, six to seven houses were severely affected, with some becoming uninhabitable due to leaks. The taluka administration has set up a care center at the Government Kannada School to shelter displaced residents. Roads including Hosur-Muragoda and Bailahongala-Munavalli were temporarily flooded as silt-clogged canals prevented smooth water flow, disrupting traffic.
Rainfall recorded across the taluk included 21.4 mm in Savadatti, 90.4 mm in Navilutirtha, 70.2 mm in Muragoda, 17.2 mm in Hoolikatti, and 69 mm in Yaragati, with an average of 53.64 mm. In Betsur village, houses collapsed, injuring Basavaraja Eerappa Mokhashi, who is receiving treatment at the local public hospital.
Authorities have released 5,000 cusecs of water from the Malaprabha dam due to overflowing levels. Residents along the riverbanks have been placed on high alert. Despite the rain, devotees visiting Yallamma temple for Navratri festival braved the weather to pay their respects.
Flooding has also damaged farmland, affecting cotton, soybean, and sorghum crops, according to Suresh Sampagavi, Taluk Unit President of the Farmers Association. A small bridge near Hosur village on the Munavalli-Bailahongala road has been submerged, while over 20 houses were destroyed. A temporary care center has been opened in Hittanagi village to accommodate those displaced, said MN Hegganavar, Tahsildar of Savadatti.
Efforts to raise awareness about rain-related damages are being prioritised to prevent further loss of life and property.
