Heavy rainfall in Karnataka has led to the opening of all 22 crest gates of the Tunga dam to release excess water. Officials have restricted visitor entry to the dam due to the high water level. The water level in the dam reached its maximum on July 4, prompting officials to open all 22 crest gates to release excess water. The inflow into the dam was 21,508 cusecs on July 6, while the outflow was 19,078 cusecs. However, by the afternoon, the inflow had increased to 25,461 cusecs, forcing officials to increase the outflow to 31,178 cusecs. Since June 1, 6.5 TMC of water has been discharged from the dam, with most of it being released in the last three days. In comparison, 60 TMC of water was discharged from the dam during the corresponding period last year. On average, 200 TMC of water is discharged from the dam annually. Despite the high water level, many tourists have shown interest in visiting the site. However, officials have restricted visitor entry to ensure their safety. The Tunga and Bhadra rivers merge at Kudli near Shivamogga. The Tunga is a major source for the Tunga Bhadra dam at Hosapete in Vijayanagara district. Heavy rainfall has also been reported in Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts. In Shivamogga district, heavy downpour in Hosanagara taluk prompted authorities to declare a holiday for schools on July 6. Schools and anganwadi centres in Tirthahalli, Sagar, and Bhadravati taluks in Shivamogga district remained closed on July 7. In Chikkamagaluru district, primary schools, high schools, and anganwadi centres in Koppa, Sringeri, and Mudigere taluks remained closed on July 7.