Karnataka Rain Update: The southwest monsoon has intensified across Karnataka, with heavy rainfall continuing over the Malnad, Kodagu and coastal regions. In view of the worsening weather, authorities have declared a holiday for schools and colleges in several districts on Wednesday, July 8, as a precautionary measure. A holiday has been announced for all schools in Dakshina Kannada (all nine taluks) and Kodagu (all five taluks). Schools will also remain closed in Soraba, Sagar, Hosanagar and Thirthahalli taluks of Shivamogga district; Koppa, Sringeri, NR Pura, Mudigere and Chikkamagaluru taluks of Chikkamagaluru district; and Belagavi, Khanapur and Nippani taluks of Belagavi district.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rainfall is likely to continue across Karnataka over the next few days, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. An Orange Alert has been issued for Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, Hassan and Kodagu districts as the monsoon gains strength across the state.

According to the IMD, coastal Karnataka, including Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada, is expected to receive the heaviest rainfall. Extremely heavy showers are likely to continue until July 9, with widespread rainfall expected to persist until July 11. Uttara Kannada is forecast to receive the most intense rainfall during this period. Heavy rain is also expected across the Malnad and South Interior Karnataka regions until July 10, with very heavy rainfall likely through July 8. In North Interior Karnataka, rainfall intensity is expected to increase and continue until July 11.

The weather department has also forecast widespread rainfall in the coastal belt, including Kasaragod, with gusty winds expected to continue. Rainfall is likely to gradually ease from July 9, while a mix of sunny and cloudy conditions is expected from July 10 or 11. Scattered showers are also forecast over Kodagu, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga, with slightly heavier rainfall likely in areas adjoining the coast.

Continuous rainfall has significantly increased the inflow into rivers across the Malnad, Kodagu and coastal regions. In Kukke Subrahmanya and other parts of Dakshina Kannada, rising water levels in the Kumaradhara River have partially submerged the bathing ghat. In Kodagu, widespread rainfall triggered a landslide near the Madikeri bus stand. Minor landslides have also been reported in Charmadi Ghat. Around Mudigere in Chikkamagaluru district, the region received 8 to 10 inches of rainfall in a single day on July 6. In Hosanagar of Shivamogga district, strong winds and heavy rain uprooted more than 170 electric poles, disrupting power supply.

Heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra has further worsened the flood situation downstream. Around 98,245 cusecs of water are being released from dams in Maharashtra into the Krishna River, leading to a sharp rise in the water levels of the Krishna, Dudhganga and Malaprabha rivers in Belagavi district. Floodwaters from the Dudhganga River have inundated the Bengali Baba Dargah in Karadaga village of Nippani taluk. The Anjaneya Temple at Habbanahatti in Khanapur taluk and the Marula Shankara Temple at Itagi have also been submerged. On the banks of the Krishna River in Belagavi, an irrigation jackwell worth ₹4 crore has collapsed into the river, affecting more than 500 farming families.

Reservoirs across the state are also witnessing heavy inflows. The Linganamakki Reservoir has received 29,043 cusecs of inflow, taking the water level to 1,754.40 feet. At the Tunga Reservoir, all 22 crest gates have been opened to release water equal to the inflow, while the Tunga River is flowing at the danger level in Shivamogga.

The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Authority (KSNDMA) has cautioned that the heaviest rainfall over the next week is expected along the coastal districts. Authorities have warned that persistent rain could lead to waterlogging, overflowing rivers and flooding in low-lying areas, while thunderstorms and gale-force winds may affect Malnad, coastal and interior regions. Residents have been advised to stay alert, monitor official weather updates and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.