Flood-hit North Karnataka faces devastation as Bhima river swells

North Karnataka is once again grappling with the wrath of nature as heavy rainfall in neighboring Maharashtra has brought severe flooding to the region. What was supposed to be a celebratory Navratri festival for the people of the area turned into a tragic ordeal, with many lives lost in the floodwaters.

Also read: The Bhima river floods Kalaburagi villages, displacing thousands

The persistent rains in Maharashtra have triggered the release of large amounts of water from dams into the Bhima River, worsening the situation in the region. Last night alone, 2,63,500 cusecs of water were released from the Sina River Dam into the Bhima, while another 1,25,532 cusecs flowed in from the Nira River reservoir. This overwhelming influx of water has once again posed a severe threat to the surrounding areas.

Solapur National Highway cut off

As a result, the Karnataka-Maharashtra National Highway, which had earlier reopened following the receding of floodwaters, has now been closed again due to the rising river levels. The Solapur National Highway connecting Hubballi and Hospet via Vijayapura is also cut off, bringing transportation to a standstill.

In Kalaburagi district, the Bhima River’s violent flooding has inundated the Gangapur confluence area, submerging bathing spots and villages in Afzalpur taluk. The damage has been devastating, with the overflow of water impacting homes and infrastructure.

A BJP delegation, led by state party chief B.Y. Vijayendra, visited Gangapur and distributed bed sheets to the affected families. They also spoke with locals to offer support and assess the situation.

Meanwhile, local MP Govinda Karajol inspected the submerged Bhima Amarja Bridge, as the region braces for more rainfall. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, responding to the mounting criticism from opposition parties, is expected to visit flood-hit areas of Kalaburagi today.

As the rain continues, people in North Karnataka are left to pray for relief, hoping for an end to the devastating floods that have submerged their lives.