Mysuru: National Highway 766 which connects Bengaluru with Ooty was flooded even on Saturday following heavy rain in Kerala and Friday’s subsequent increase in the outflow into Kabini reservoir. Low-lying areas and fields in Nanjangud and HD Kote in Nanjangud taluk continue to be submerged following heavy outflow of water from Kabini reservoir.Monitoring the situation at the ground level, deputy commissioner Abhiram G Sankar says there is heavy rain alert in Wayanad (Kerala), the catchment area for Kapila river, till August 14. “We’re preparing for sudden inflow anytime and to avoid damage downstream, we are managing by releasing water just over 80,000 cusecs. If we don’t plan things in advance there could be more damage in case there is flashfloods,” the DC explained to STOI.“I’m in touch with assistant commissioners or sub-collectors in Wayanad and receiving alerts regularly, Sankar said.Outflow from Kapila reservoir on Saturday was increased to 81,200 cusecs as against inflow 75,380 cusecs. Anticipating more inflow following heavy rainfall in catchment areas officials here are releasing more water from the reservoir and maintaining the reservoir level at 2,281 ft, three feet less than maximum storage capacity.Meanwhile, a newly constructed bridge near Hejjige across Kapila has developed cracks following heavy movement of vehicles. Officials have restricted heavy vehicles on the bridge and summoned engineers to inspect the site. This apart, a team of personnel attached to fire and emergency services from the headquarters have been summoned in case of an emergency. They have been stationed at Nanjangud.Suttur seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji along with villagers offered pooja to Kapila river that is in full spate at Suttur where a bridge is completely flooded.Meanwhile, floodwater has displaced families both at HD Kote and Nanjangud. Diversion of traffic on NH near Nanjangud continues after water flooded a portion of the NH near Mallana Moole Mutt. Vehicular traffic has been diverted since 10am on Friday and it will continue till water level recedes, said Amit Singh, SP, Mysuru With a dozen more houses submerged in Nanjangud, tahsildar M Dayanand said district, taluk and gram panchayat officers are monitoring the situation round the clock. Ganji kendras have been opened at three places in Nanjangud.HD Kote tahsildar R Manjunath said ambulance and fire and emergency service personnel are on standby at DB Kuppe and HD Kote taluk headquarters which has witnessed damage to crops near the stream.SP Amit Singh said traffic diversion will continue till water level recedes.------Stats:Kapila reservoir on Aug 11Max Level: 2,284 ftCurrent Level: 2,281.41 ftOutflow 81,200 cusecsInflow: 75,380 cusecs

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