CHIKKAMAGALUR: In response to continued heavy rainfall in the Malnad region, the district administration declared a holiday for Anganwadi centres, primary, and high schools in five taluks on Friday as a precautionary measure. The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj, applies to Kalasa, Mudigere, Sringeri, Koppa, and N.R. Pura taluks.
The decision follows warnings of further heavy rains and increasing threats of flooding and landslides. Continuous rain and strong winds across the Malnad and Western Ghats regions have thrown normal life out of gear. Overflowing rivers, submerged bridges, fallen electric poles, and landslides have been reported in multiple locations, prompting alerts from the district administration.
In Charmadi Ghat, Balur, and Kalasa, particularly in Mudigere taluk, coffee plantations have suffered damage as rainwater flooded fields. In Baiduvalli village, a submerged bridge has isolated nearby hamlets, cutting off road access. The Hemavati River is in spate, inundating plantations and washing over its confluence at Kesavalu-Kudige.
The agricultural damage is severe, especially in Hesagodu, where dozens of acres of coffee and areca nut plantations remain under water.
Meanwhile, Shivamogga district is also facing similar conditions. Tahsildar Ranjith of Thirthahalli taluk declared a holiday for all Anganwadi centres, schools, and colleges. Many students from rural areas trek through hilly terrain to attend classes, and authorities aim to prevent any mishaps due to slippery roads and rising streams.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in vulnerable hilly and riverine areas.