Water level in the Tunga reservoir rose menacingly following incessant rainfall in the catchment area since Thursday.

According to sources, 4,000 cusecs of water was released from the four crest gates of the dam on Friday morning around 9 am. The water inflow into the dam has increased following copious rainfall since Thursday night in Sringeri, Theerthahalli and the surrounding areas.

Among the 22 crest gates of the dam, four were opened in the morning and later on, 8,000 cusecs of water was released from the 12 crest gates in the noon, said Upper Tunga Project Assistant Engineer K Kariyappa.

Meanwhile, following heavy downpour across the district, several electricity poles and trees were uprooted at various places on Thursday night.

Traffic disrupted

Movement of vehicles was disrupted for a short period on the Shimoga-Theerthahalli Road as several trees were uprooted near Hosahalli.

Nagara in Hosanagar taluk recorded the highest rainfall of 23.3 cm. Hulikal - 17.8 cm, Mastikatte - 17.2 cm, Khairagunda and Yadur - 13.5 cm, Mani dam - 12.4 cm, Savehaklu - 20 cm, Chakra dam - 18.7cm, Mattimane - 15.4cm, Karimane - 19.1 cm, Hosanagar - 7.8 cm and Huncha - 12.2 cm.

The inflow of water into the Linganamakki dam has increased. The inflow was at 8,988 cusec at 8:00 am on Friday and the water level in the dam rose to 1,755.30 feet. Even the catchment areas of Bhadra dam received good rainfall, raising the water level to 116.11 feet. The inflow was at 2,896 cusecs.