Kodagu Declares Holiday for Schools, Colleges as Heavy Monsoon Rain Batters District

Madikeri: With the southwest monsoon intensifying, the Kodagu district administration has declared a holiday for all anganwadi centres, schools and colleges on Wednesday (July 8) after moderate to heavy rainfall lashed several parts of the district over the past 24 hours.

The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner Somashekar as a precautionary measure, considering the safety of students amid widespread rainfall and the possibility of rain-related incidents.

Kodagu recorded an average rainfall of 57.20 mm during the last 24 hours, with Bhagamandala receiving the highest rainfall of 165 mm, one of the highest single-day spells recorded in recent days since the onset of the southwest monsoon. Other areas that witnessed heavy rain included Ponnampet (125 mm), Hudikeri (89 mm), Shanthalli (83 mm), Srimangala (82 mm), Virajpet (64 mm), Madikeri (60 mm), Kodlipet (55 mm), Somwarpet (54 mm), Sampaje (49.50 mm), Ammathi (39 mm), Balele (36 mm), Napoklu (32 mm), Shanivarasanthe (29 mm), Suntikoppa (29 mm) and Kushalnagar (10.20 mm).

The overnight downpour also caused damage to infrastructure and property in parts of the district. A road caved in at Kolthodu Baigodu village under Hattur Gram Panchayat following incessant rainfall, affecting local connectivity.

In another incident, the house of Daasi, a resident of Bommadu village in Srimangala hobli, was partially damaged after a tree uprooted by strong winds crashed onto the structure. Officials from the Revenue Department visited the spot and assessed the damage.

Meanwhile, a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been stationed in Kodagu since the onset of the monsoon to undertake rescue and relief operations in the event of rain-related emergencies. District officials said they are closely monitoring the situation as monsoon activity continues to intensify.

The administration has urged residents and tourists to strictly follow safety advisories. Entry into rivers, streams, waterfalls, reservoirs, backwaters and other vulnerable locations has been prohibited. Bathing, swimming and adventure activities in water bodies have also been banned to prevent drowning and other accidents during the monsoon.