Bengaluru (Karnataka), Jul 18: Under the influence of a low pressure area over central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal, isolated extremely heavy rainfall is very likely over coastal and south interior Karnataka for the next three days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The IMD has issued a red alert for July 19 and 20 in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and south interior Karnataka.

The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSDNMC) has observed that with the rainfall continuing in the same intensity Cauvery reservoir will likely reach its full capacity in three days. Harangi and Kabini reservoirs have already reached full capacity.

It has also issued a flood alert, based on IMD report, in the coastal and western ghat regions.

Due to the widespread rainfall in these regions in the last two days, flooding in coastal and western ghats areas are likely.

Meanwhile, the district administration of both Kodagu and Udupi districts have already announced holidays for schools and PU colleges as a precautionary measure. A holiday was also declared for the five taluks in Dakshina Kannada district.

Heavy rains lash Mangaluru and surrounding areas as well.

Also, as the water level in Netravati River breached danger level in Uppinangady, all crest gates were opened in two dams built across Netravati River.

The overflowing river had already inundated over 15 houses in Aladka in Panemangaluru, Bantwala taluk on July 18.

People were moved to a safe place on Wednesday night. A school playground and coconut plantation in Aladka were also flooded.

In Kodagu too, both Cauvery and Lakshmana Tirtha rivers were overflowing.

According to X user @ravikeerthi22, who tracks weather developments in the western ghats, with particular reference to Kodagu regions, due to more water inflow from Bhagamandala side, which is witnessing incessant rains, and widespread rains in the catchment area are likely to make Cauvery flow above warning level at Napoklu by July 18 night.

“People living near river banks are already asked to shift to a relief camp nearby by Kushalanagara tehsildar,” he posted.

According to him, Benguru in Kodagu also received 82mm rainfall till 12.30 on July 18.

KSNDMC has issued a notice stating that Harohalli in Aalru-Siddapur gram panchayat of Kodagu district witnessed a landslide on July 18 at around 11.30 am.

In view of the escalated developments in the region, Kodagu district administration has banned night vehicular movement (except emergency services) at Sampaje Ghat road, which connects Madikeri and Mangaluru as there are chances for landslides at some places.

The ban is on till July 22 from 8 pm to 6 am.

People travelling to Mysuru are advised to use Charmadi Ghat road instead.

Traffic disruption is also expected in Mysuru-Nanjanagudu highway, as Kabini River started to overflow onto the highway.

Meanwhile, coastal Karnataka’s Castle Rock in Uttara Kannada received the highest rainfall in Karnataka, as per the rain record issued on July 18 by IMD. Castle Rock received 240mm rainfall between 8.30am on July 17 to 8.30am on July 18.

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Ahmedabad: A viral video showing Union Home Minister Amit Shah scolding his son Jay Shah during an aarti at Ahmedabad’s Jagannath Temple has caught the attention of social media users. The incident took place on the second day of Shah’s three-day visit to Gujarat.

In the video, Amit Shah, while performing the aarti, brings the flame near Jay Shah’s son. Concerned for his baby’s safety, Jay attempts to shield him from the flames. Amit Shah, noticing his concern, jokingly remarked, "Kassu nai thay, tare kai novo navay no chokro che" (Nothing will happen; do you have a new and unique son?). His playful comment left VIPs and attendees chuckling, while Jay Shah appeared momentarily startled.

Amit Shah, along with his family, visited the Jagannath Temple as part of his Uttarayan celebrations in Ahmedabad. During the visit, they performed rituals including cow worship. In another lighthearted moment, Amit Shah repeated his comment about Jay Shah’s son, adding to the humorous atmosphere.

Amit Shah's Gujarat tour also included the inauguration of several developmental projects, such as the Ghatlodia Police Station, a modern police housing project, a state-of-the-art auditorium in Kalol, and a Railway Underbridge in Kalol.