Tree Fall on Charmadi Ghat Blocks NH 73, Heavy Rains Swell Tunga River

Heavy monsoon rains lashed Karnataka's Malnad and North Karnataka districts on Saturday, July 4, 2026, triggering a major block on National Highway 73 and causing river levels to rise significantly across the region. A tree fall on the Charmadi Ghat section in Mudigere taluk completely halted traffic, leaving commuters stranded on both sides of the highway. At the same time, heavy precipitation in the catchment areas of Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts led to a substantial increase in the water level of the Tunga river in Sringeri taluk.

The severe weather conditions caused widespread disruption for residents and travelers alike. On the crucial National Highway 73, which connects key parts of the state through the Charmadi Ghat in Mudigere taluk, the fallen tree created an immediate roadblock on Saturday. As a result of the obstruction, a large number of vehicles were unable to proceed, resulting in long queues of stranded commuters waiting on either side of the blocked stretch.

In addition to the road blockage, the heavy monsoon rains had a direct impact on the region's water bodies. The catchment areas situated in Shivamogga district and Chikkamagaluru district received heavy rainfall, which quickly fed into local river systems. In Sringeri taluk of Chikkamagaluru district, the Tunga river saw its water levels increase significantly.

The rising water level of the Tunga river in Sringeri taluk was a direct consequence of the heavy downpours in its catchment areas, which span across both Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts.

The incident on National Highway 73 at Charmadi Ghat in Mudigere taluk further complicated travel in the hilly terrain. With the tree falling across the road on Saturday, vehicles were unable to cross, causing a complete standstill on both sides of the highway. Commuters and local residents in these affected Karnataka districts had to navigate the dual challenges of swelling river waters and disrupted road connectivity throughout the day.