---
title: "Severe Monsoons Inundate Malnad: Rainfall Surges 159% Above Average"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/severe-monsoons-inundate-malnad-rainfall-surges-159-above-average-5ayig
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-02T14:54:43.000Z
modified: 2026-08-02T18:01:05.264Z
language: en-IN
---

# Severe Monsoons Inundate Malnad: Rainfall Surges 159% Above Average

Record-breaking rainfall across the Malnad region has triggered widespread flooding and emergency evacuations. Residents along the Tunga riverbanks have been relocated to state-run shelters as water levels breach critical thresholds.

## Key takeaways

- Malnad received 100 mm of rain in 24 hours, representing a 159% departure from the seasonal norm of 39 mm.
- Emergency evacuations were carried out in Tirthahalli, moving Tunga riverbank residents to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan.
- The Tunga dam at Gajanur opened its crest gates to manage a high outflow of 72,460 cusecs.
- Peak rainfall was recorded at 295 mm in Shanuvalli and 274.2 mm in Nagara.
- Bhadra reservoir storage reached 43.15 tmcft, significantly increasing due to catchment area downpours.

## Regional Infrastructure and Agriculture Under Strain

Extreme weather patterns gripped the Malnad districts on Sunday, as heavy precipitation triggered landslips and flooded agricultural heartlands. In Tirthahalli taluk, vast expanses of areca plantations were submerged following intense overnight downpours. The surge forced the local administration to initiate emergency measures, relocating families from the Tunga riverbanks to a temporary care facility at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan.

## Precipitation Data and Hydrological Impact

Climate data for the 24-hour period ending Sunday morning indicates a significant departure from seasonal norms. The region averaged 100 mm of rain, dwarfing the standard 39 mm average. Specific locales reported even higher extremes:
- Shivamogga District: Averaged 136 mm of rain, with Nagara in Hosangara taluk recording a peak of 274.2 mm.
- Chikkamagaluru District: Reported 105 mm against a 38 mm norm, led by Shanuvalli in Koppa taluk at 295 mm.
- Hassan District: Received 38 mm, with Hongadahalla in Sakaleshpur taluk witnessing 224 mm.

## Reservoir Management and Water Security

In response to the rising Tunga river, authorities opened the crest gates at the Gajanur dam. As of Sunday, the facility managed an outflow of 72,460 cusecs against an inflow of 67,171 cusecs. Other major hydel reservoirs also reported massive gains. The Linganmakki reservoir saw inflows reach 77,580 cusecs, bringing storage to 57.84 tmcft. Similarly, the Bhadra reservoir at Lakkavalli reached a storage level of 43.15 tmcft, while the Hemavathi reservoir in Goruru recorded a storage of 26.96 tmcft against its total capacity of 37.10 tmcft.

Source: The Hindu — National

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/severe-monsoons-inundate-malnad-rainfall-surges-159-above-average-5ayig
Reported from: The Hindu — National