Karnataka News: The southwest monsoon has gathered strength across Karnataka, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rainfall across most districts on July 7 and 8. An orange alert has been issued for several districts, while a red alert remains in force for parts of the coastal belt due to the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall. Kodagu, the Malnad region and Karnataka’s coastal districts have been receiving persistent heavy showers, leading to rising river levels and increased inflows into reservoirs across the state.

Heavy rainfall in neighbouring Maharashtra has further aggravated the flood situation in northern Karnataka, with large volumes of water flowing into the Krishna River and its tributaries. The increased discharge has led to a sharp rise in inflows into the Almatti Dam, while several low-level bridges in Belagavi and Chikkodi have been submerged. Officials said a total of eight bridges, including the Malikwad–Dattawad and Yadoor–Kallola bridges, are now underwater, disrupting traffic and connectivity in the region. Elsewhere, rivers and streams across the state are in spate, with reservoirs beginning to receive fresh inflows following continuous rainfall.

Schools Closed In Several Taluks: As a precautionary measure, district administrations have declared a holiday for schools in 14 taluks affected by heavy rainfall. The closures include Chikkamagaluru, Mudigere, Koppa, Sringeri and Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru district; Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Joida and Dandeli in Uttara Kannada district; Thirthahalli and Hosanagar in Shivamogga district; and Belagavi and Khanapur in Belagavi district. Authorities have also suspended classes in Chikkamagaluru and Sakleshpur taluks of Hassan district as a precaution against worsening weather conditions.

Rain-Related Incidents Reported: The heavy rain has already resulted in several accidents across the state. An elderly man was reportedly swept away by floodwaters in the Malathi River near Agumbe. In Chikkamagaluru, two women sustained injuries after trees collapsed in Malemane and Kodagu areas. In Waramballi in Udupi district, a student was injured after a roof tile from a school building fell during the rain. In another incident, cattle were killed after a wall collapsed amid heavy rainfall.

Red And Orange Alerts Issued: The IMD has warned that heavy rainfall is likely to continue across Karnataka throughout July. A red alert has been issued for Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts, where extremely heavy rain is expected. An orange alert has also been sounded for Dakshina Kannada, Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu and Shivamogga districts. In Dakshina Kannada, strong winds of 50-60 kmph are likely to accompany heavy rain. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until conditions improve. Meanwhile, trekking activities have been suspended in several hill destinations in Chikkamagaluru due to safety concerns.

Apart from the districts under weather alerts, moderate rainfall is also expected in Bengaluru City, Bengaluru Rural, Mysuru, Davanagere, Ballari, Chamarajanagar, Kolar, Mandya, Ramanagara and Tumakuru over the next few days as the monsoon remains active across the state.