Heavy inflow into the Tungabhadra reservoir has forced the release of nearly 1.07 lakh cusecs of water through 26 crest gates, leading to the submergence of the Kampli bridge in Ballari district and cutting off road connectivity between Bellary and Gangavathi. Police have restricted traffic, set up barricades, and warned riverside villagers to stay away from the swollen river.
Hampi, the UNESCO heritage site, has also been hit. With over 1.07 lakh cusecs released into the Tungabhadra, major riverside monuments, including Purandaradasara Mantapa, Chakratheertha, Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Kotilinga, and Kampabhoopa Marg, are inundated. Boating and rafting have been suspended, but tourists and devotees continue to risk entering the water despite police warnings.
Authorities have urged caution across riverside religious centers, including Mantralaya and Hampi, as inflows from the Tunga, Bhadra, and Varada rivers continue to swell the reservoir.
Continuous rains in the Malnad region have pushed the inflow to over 1,07,500 cusecs. Officials confirmed that 1,06,548 cusecs were discharged on Monday as a precaution, given the poor condition of some gates. The Meteorological Department has declared a red alert in five districts, including Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Hassan, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru, and an orange alert for several northern districts, warning of heavy rain and winds of 40–50 kmph.
Meanwhile, in Kalaburagi, the Bennetora reservoir has reached 85% storage, prompting the release of 3,050 cusecs, raising flood concerns in Hebbal village.