Karnataka Monsoon Rains Live Updates, Charmadi Ghat Traffic, Tunga Reservoir Overflow, School Holidays and Reservoir Water Levels Across the State
Karnataka is witnessing a fresh spell of intense monsoon activity, bringing widespread rainfall across the state's coastal, Malnad, and interior regions. Heavy showers have disrupted transportation in several districts, forced the closure of educational institutions in multiple taluks, increased inflows into major reservoirs and triggered localised damage to homes. Authorities have also issued advisories for motorists travelling through ghat sections as continuous rainfall and dense fog continue to reduce visibility.
Bengaluru: Karnataka has entered another phase of active southwest monsoon conditions, with continuous rainfall reviving rivers and reservoirs while simultaneously creating challenges for commuters and residents. From the fog-covered stretches of Charmadi Ghat to overflowing reservoirs in Shivamogga and rain-related damage in Sagar, several regions are experiencing the dual impact of abundant rainfall.
Charmadi Ghat Faces Heavy Rain and Dense Fog
Monsoon showers have intensified across Chikkamagaluru district, with the Charmadi Ghat region in Mudigere taluk receiving heavy rainfall over the past several hours. Thick fog has engulfed the Western Ghats, drastically reducing visibility along National Highway 173 (NH-173), which connects Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina Kannada districts.
Motorists travelling through the narrow ghat roads are encountering severe difficulties as oncoming vehicles become difficult to spot due to persistent fog and rain. Authorities have advised commuters to drive cautiously while maintaining reduced speeds throughout the stretch.
Continuous rainfall has also transformed the hillsides, creating numerous seasonal waterfalls cascading along the ghat roads. The scenic landscape has attracted travellers and tourists despite the challenging weather conditions.
"Heavy rainfall combined with dense fog has significantly reduced visibility on NH-173, making cautious driving essential for all motorists travelling through Charmadi Ghat."
School and College Holidays Declared in Rain-Hit Taluks
In response to the prevailing weather conditions, district administrations have declared holidays for schools and colleges in several rain-affected regions.
Educational institutions have remained closed in six taluks of Chikkamagaluru district and three taluks of Shivamogga district after continuous rainfall affected normal public movement and raised safety concerns.
Officials said the decision was taken to prioritise student safety as heavy rains continue across the coastal and Malnad regions.
Heavy Rain Damages House in Shivamogga's Sagar in Karnataka
In S.N. Nagar of Sagar, Shivamogga, the roof of an auto driver identified as Manjunath collapsed following incessant rainfall. Although no family member suffered injuries, the incident created panic after an electrical short circuit developed inside the house during the night.
According to local residents, the family spent the entire night fearing further structural collapse and electrical hazards. The affected family has appealed to the government for immediate assistance to repair the damaged house and restore safe living conditions.
"The family escaped without injuries, but they have sought urgent government support after their house roof collapsed during heavy overnight rain."
Tunga Reservoir Reaches Full Capacity After Fresh Monsoon Inflows
The strongest impact of the renewed monsoon has been witnessed in Karnataka's major reservoirs, many of which had experienced low storage levels earlier this year.
Continuous rainfall has significantly increased inflows into the Tunga Reservoir near Gajanur in Shivamogga taluk. The reservoir has now reached full capacity for the first time this year.
To maintain dam safety, authorities opened all 22 spillway gates, releasing approximately 24,000 cusecs of water into the Tunga River.
Following the filling of the reservoir, special prayers and traditional pujas were performed in honour of Goddess Tunga within the dam premises.
The spectacular release of water created massive white foam resembling flowing milk, drawing attention from visitors and local residents.
Overflowing Reservoir Brings Relief to Farmers
The replenishment of the Tunga Reservoir has brought considerable relief to farmers across Karnataka after weeks of concern over delayed monsoon rainfall.
The increased water availability is expected to support irrigation across Shivamogga, Davangere, Haveri, Gadag and Ballari districts. Farmers who had postponed agricultural activities due to insufficient rainfall have now resumed cultivation following improved water availability.
Agriculture experts believe the continued inflows into reservoirs could significantly strengthen water security for the ongoing cropping season if rainfall persists over the coming weeks.
Latest Karnataka Reservoir Water Levels
Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Reservoir, Mandya
- Maximum water level: 124.80 feet
- Present water level: 82.45 feet
- Inflow: 5,734 cusecs
- Outflow: 777 cusecs
- Maximum storage: 49.452 TMC
- Current storage: 11.909 TMC
Kabini Reservoir, Mysuru
The Kabini Reservoir recorded a water level of 59.32 feet, compared with 80.79 feet on the same date last year.
Current storage stands at 7.07 TMC, while inflow has reached 4,394 cusecs. Authorities are releasing 500 cusecs into the river, with no water presently being supplied through irrigation canals.
The catchment area recorded 30 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours.
Hemavati Reservoir, Hassan
- Maximum level: 2,922 feet (37 TMC)
- Present level: 2,895.91 feet
- Current storage: 17.379 TMC
- Inflow: 8,901 cusecs
- Outflow: 300 cusecs
Bhadra Reservoir, Lakkavalli
- Maximum level: 186 feet (71.535 TMC)
- Present level: 140.6 feet
- Current storage: 27.231 TMC
- Inflow: 8,117 cusecs
- Outflow: 212 cusecs
Basavasagar Reservoir, Narayanpur
- Maximum level: 492.25 metres
- Present level: 488.82 metres
- Inflow: Nil
- Outflow: 761 cusecs
Monsoon Expected to Raise Reservoir Levels Further in Karnataka
Water resource officials expect storage levels in the KRS, Hemavati and Bhadra reservoirs to increase substantially if the present spell of heavy rainfall continues across Karnataka over the coming days.
The strengthened monsoon is expected to improve irrigation prospects, replenish drinking water reserves and enhance overall water availability across several districts.
