Heavy rains in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra have caused the Krishna River to surge, leading to widespread chaos in Belgaum. Half of the city is submerged as seven rivers overflow, displacing over 20,000 residents.
The situation in Belgaum’s Pearl Orchard Village is critical, with numerous villages in Athani taluk affected by the raging Krishna River. Former Deputy Chief Minister and MLA Laxman Savadi’s village, Naganoor PK, is completely flooded, including the bridge leading to it. Thousands of acres of riverbank land are underwater.
The pearl plantation area is facing dire circumstances, with some residents evacuated and others navigating by boat after losing their homes. Approximately 40 houses are fully submerged, and temples are inundated. Extensive crop damage has also occurred due to the river’s overflow.
In hilly regions like Chikkamagalur, continuous rainfall has triggered landslides, devastating groundnut crops in villages like Chennakallu of NRpur taluk. Homes are now at risk of collapse due to cracked walls caused by the landslides.
Meanwhile, in Bagalkote, farmers have suffered losses as sugarcane and onion crops were washed away by the Ghataprabha River. Eight acres of onions, nearly ready for harvest, were completely destroyed, leaving farmers devastated.
Overall, the region faces significant challenges due to relentless downpours. With over 20,000 people displaced in Belgaum alone, coastal and hilly areas continue to experience ongoing collapses and hazards.
