WET ROADS: With heavy rainfall lashing Belgaum, most roads in low-lying areas are inundated.

BELGAUM: Several low-lying areas and bridges were inundated following copious rains in the district since Sunday night while strong winds in some areas brought down trees, blocking the movement of vehicular traffic.

Normal life was affected by the rains, which forced the district administration to announce a two-day holiday for all schools in the district beginning Wednesday. Initially, it was decided that holiday will be declared only for schools in Belgaum city. But with reports of rainfall all over the district pouring in, the district administration extended the holiday for all schools in the district.

According to official sources, all the rivers in the district, including the Krishna, the Malaprabha, the Ghataprabha, the Doodhganga and the Markandeya, are in spate. The inflow into the Malaprabha and Ghataprabha reservoirs increased during the past 24 hours following heavy rainfall in the catchment areas.

Inundated

Several bridges, including the Asoga bridge in Khanapur and the Alataga bridge on the Belgaum-Kadoli road, have submerged in the rain waters.

Also, several low-lying areas, including fields, slums and roads, are water-logged. Those living in shacks are facing a tough time coping with the nature's fury.

On Monday evening, an uprooted tree near the Deputy Commissioner's office affected the movement of vehicular traffic for a few hours. On Tuesday, rains brought down a huge tree near the Belgaum Club. Also, the rains have damaged several roads.

The monsoon seems to have activated in the district since Sunday.

While 137.2mm rainfall was recorded in Chikkodi taluk during the past 24 hours, it was 108.80 mm in Hukkeri, 98 mm in Belgaum, 86.40 mm in Khanapur, 45.40 mm in Raibag, 30.20 mm in Bailhongal, 18 mm in Ramdurg, 74 mm in Gokak, 22.8 mm in Saundatti and 4.89 mm rainfall in Athani. So far, an average of 183.44 mm rainfall has been recorded in the district from July 1, the highest being 544 mm in Khanapur taluk and the lowest being 53 mm in Athani taluk.

This month, Chikkodi received 218 mm rainfall while it was 215.4 mm in Hukkeri, 98 mm in Raibag, 214.70 mm in Bailhongal, 58.60 mm in Ramdurg, 166.20 mm in Gokak and 339.20 mm in Belgaum. It may be recalled here that the State Government has released Rs. 4 crores and 2,000 tonnes of foodgrains towards relief measures in the district.

The district administration had sought Rs. 12 crores to take up relief works.

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