HARNGI FULL, CAUVERY OVER FLOWS; HOLIDAY DECLARED SCHOOLS

All the four crest gates of Harangi are thrown open yesterday evening as the water level touched the brim, 2859 feet high.

Lashing rain with the blowing wind is ransacking the peace of mind of residents of Kodagu since yesterday. Trees have fallen on four vehicles in different places and roads are blocked due to falling of trees and poles. Water level in Cauvery confluence has raised and four villages are cut off from the outer world.

Electricity and telephone services are hit.

Two Maruthi vans, a Scorpio and an Autorikshaw was damaged in rain related accidents since yesterday. A Scorpio drove into an estate trying to avoid a falling branch at Appangala near Madikeri. A Maruthi van was damaged as a tree fell over it near napoklu. The driver was hospitalized. Another Maruthi van near Kadanga was crumbled as a tree fell over it. The driver was shifted to a hospital for treatment.

A tree fell on an Autorikshaw carrying three schoolchildren today at Madikeri. Children had a miraculous escape while the driver received serious injuries and was shifted to Government hospital. Electric and telephone wires are strewn on roads and poles have come down in many places.

A shopping complex in the heart of town was crumpled yesterday night in a landslide. Many shops were damaged and one person was injured in the incident.

Six feet high water in the confluence of river Cauvery at Bhagamandala has sepperated the twin temple towns and many monsoon tourists visiting talakavery had to return. Trees have fallen on houses, post offices, temples and schools in many places of the district.

The president of the Zilla Panchayath, Ashok Komar has declared a three day holiday to schools in the district as traveling has become risky due to falling of trees and electric poles.

Most part of the Kodagu is plunged in darkness with the MESCOM department to meet two ends.