Koppal (Karnataka): The Karnataka government has issued extreme caution alert to four districts of the state after the 19th shutter of the Tungabhadra Dam in Karnataka's Koppal district was damaged late Saturday night, media reports said.

The gate collapse resulted in the release of 35,000 cusecs of water into the river, and at least 1 lakh cusecs (cubic feet per second) more will be released as authorities immediately opened all but five dam gates to take off the pressure on the remaining structure.

The restoration of the dam will begin once the water has been released, according to officials.

Officials have issued extreme caution alerts to Koppal, Vijayanagara, Ballari, and Raichur districts.

Minister in-charge of Koppal district Shivraj Tangadagi visited the dam on Sunday to take stock of the situation and provided necessary directions.

The incident has also put neighbouring areas in Andhra Pradesh on alert.

Residents along the Krishna River have been advised to stay vigilant and avoid crossing canals and streams.

Currently, the dam is discharging 89,000 cusecs of water, according to reports.

Koppal district's in-charge Minister, Shivaraj Tangadagi, stated that the issue will only be resolved after 20 feet of water is released.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is on his way to Koppal.

Although there is no immediate risk of flooding despite the increased water flow, people have been warned to stay away from the Tungabhadra River due to the significant water release from the dam.

This is reportedly the first major issue encountered at the dam in its 70 years of existence.