Bantwal: The incessant rain that have been lashing the Bantwal taluk since the past two days, has left River Netravathi in full spate. Reports state that water level in Netravathi is seeing a constant rise and is flowing above danger mark. Already several houses in Aladka have been partially inundated, while there are reports of rain water gushing into several more houses in Panemangalore, Jakribettu, Bantwal and other areas.
The water level of Netravathi which was 5.6 meters on Thursday evening, has seen a sharp rise late in the night and the water level was 8.5 meters on Saturday morning.
Bantwal Tahsildar Malleswamy who has visited the flood hit areas has said the affected people have been shifted to safer locations.
Traffic at Bastipadpu has been affected due to water logging on the road. The situation is the same even at Aladka near Panemangalore forcing rural area buses to travel on the National Highway itself. Floods have also affected Nandavara, Guddeaangady areas with several acres of agricultural land, areca and coconut plantations also affected by the floods.
Low lying areas in Goodinabali, Jakribettu, Baddakatte and other areas are also facing problems due to flood. In Baddakatte water has gushed into several shops located in the basement of the TMC Commercial Complex.
There are reports of floods even in fields in low lying areas at Brahmarakootlu, Jainarapete, Kanchikarapete and Mayyara Bailu.
If one reason for the River Netravathi flowing above the danger mark is the incessant rains, another reason is the release of water from Belthangady and Shambhur dams. However a major danger has been averted as the dam officials have issued an alert well in advance.
On Thursday evening, 10 gates of the Shambhur AMR dam were opened while more gates were opened later on due to heavy rains. AMR Nodal Officer Premanath said a total of 19 gates have been opened.
Cops lend a helping hand: The Bantwal police have been putting in maximum efforts to help people caught in floods and also to ensure smooth movement of traffic.
Bantwal Tahsildar Malleswamy led revenue officials have helped in shifting affected people to safe locations.
Even DK District in-charge Minister Ramanatha Rai has instructed officials to ensure that people were not put to hardship due to floods.
Meanwhile Block Education Officer Sheshashayana Karinja said the decision to declare holidays to educational institutions is left to the discretion of the respective school heads. He said schools are closed today(Friday) on account of Nagara Panchami.
