Monsoon havoc in Belagavi, Karnataka: Heavy rains lead to flood-like conditions; roads turn into rivers.
Karnataka: The monsoon has wreaked havoc in Karnataka’s Belagavi district. Continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days has wreaked havoc in Savadatti taluk. Many roads in Belagavi district resemble rivers; water has entered homes, and numerous vehicles have been swept away by the strong currents. Normal life has been completely disrupted. The rain was so heavy that the farmers’ fields were submerged, and the crops began to wash away in the water. It is worth noting that on Monday evening, heavy rains accompanied by strong winds caused drains to overflow in the Bailhongal, Saundatti, Kittur, and Yargatti talukas of Belagavi, which caused water to spill on the roads. In the town of Bailhongal, water rose to waist-level on some roads, and bikes began to float.
The most alarming scenes were witnessed at the Bailhongal bus stand and the Veera Rani Chennamma Circle. The entire area around the bus stand and the circle was submerged in water. In the videos and photos, people were seen floundering in the strong current of water. Many people are seen leaning on each other for support. The swift current is trying to sweep them away. Many two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws parked near the bus stand, on Inchal Road, and in several other areas were swept away by the strong current of water. Vehicle owners were seen jumping into the water, trying to save their vehicles. In Savadatti, the roads look like rivers. However, there have been no reports of any deaths so far, which is a relief.
The district administration has advised people to remain alert. People have appealed to the Municipal Corporation to make better arrangements for cleaning drains and managing rainfall, so that such problems do not reoccur during the upcoming monsoon. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in several districts of Karnataka over the next few days.
