Mysore/Mysuru, Aug. 18 -- Heavy rainfall in Kodagu district, the catchment area of the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam, has triggered a sharp rise in reservoir levels, now nearing full storage capacity. In response, authorities have begun releasing surplus water into the Cauvery River, with the outflow increasing steadily.

At 8 am today (Aug. 18), the cumulative outflow was 47,000 cusecs, which rose to 70,000 cusecs by 10 am and 80,000 cusecs by 11 am.

At noon, the water release was stepped up from 80,000 cusecs to 1,20,000 cusecs, and officials have cautioned that the volume may be stepped up further depending on inflow conditions.

A flood warning has been issued for residents living along both banks of the Cauvery and in low-lying areas...