Explained: Why Kodagu is on High Alert Despite Low July Rainfall
- Saritha Devaiah Ballachanda
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Despite subdued rainfall in July, Kodagu district is on high alert as officials anticipate a possible spike in extreme weather events in August. Here’s why a dry July is no reason to relax and what’s being done on the ground.
Even though Karnataka’s Cauvery basin reservoirs currently hold sufficient water, authorities in Kodagu district are on high alert. The reason? A deceptively dry July may be a precursor to intense and damaging rainfall in August, based on historical weather patterns observed over the last several years.
What’s the concern?
July, usually a peak monsoon month for Kodagu, has witnessed lower-than-average rainfall this year. While that might seem like a relief, it has actually raised alarm bells. According to officials, when July experiences a rainfall deficit, it is often followed by extremely heavy rain in August.
This pattern has played out repeatedly in the past, most notably in 2018 and in the years immediately following. These August deluges have triggered widespread damage in the hilly region — with landslides, floods, and loss of crops and infrastructure. Sometimes, Kodagu receives 20 to 30 days’ worth of rain in just one week, causing overwhelming strain on emergency systems.
What steps are being taken?
Given this precedent, the Kodagu district administration isn’t taking any chances. In a recent District Disaster Management Authority meeting, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Venkat Raja warned officials against becoming complacent due to the dip in July rain. He reminded them that while rainfall in late May and throughout June had been robust, July’s deficit could signal an intense August.
To prepare, Raja has instructed officials to remain vigilant through the end of August. Emergency preparedness efforts are already underway across the district. Vulnerable areas prone to landslides and flash floods are being identified. Dry-runs and mock drills involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local departments are being conducted to test emergency response systems.
What are the specific precautions?
Raja emphasised that precautions should be extended to protect not just people, but infrastructure and animals as well. He called for extra attention to anganwadis (childcare centres), schools, and college buildings. Protection of livestock and public property, including government buildings, is also a priority.
Officials have been asked to monitor trees that pose a risk of falling and to coordinate with the Forest Department for necessary trimming. Public Works Department and Panchayat Raj engineers have been directed to work closely with tahsildars. The tahsildars, in turn, have been tasked with conducting ground inspections and reporting damage swiftly.
District Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan has proposed the reopening of forest check posts at key locations such as Anechowkur and Maldare. Police personnel will be stationed at these posts to improve coordination and safety.
In terms of utilities, Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) engineers have been told to stock up on additional poles and transformers for quick replacement during emergencies.
The rainfall numbers
The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has reported that Kodagu district received just 468 mm of rainfall from July 1 to July 21 — 21% below normal, placing it in the ‘deficit’ category.
Among the taluks, Virajpet recorded 295 mm of rainfall — a stark 44% below normal. Ponnampet fared slightly better with 366 mm, still 30% under the average.
With such patterns emerging, Kodagu’s officials are bracing for what August may bring — and hoping early preparedness will avert another disaster.
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