The crest gates of Hemavati Reservoir at Goruru near here are expected to be opened to release water on Saturday as the water level is nearing the full level due to incessant rains in the catchment area.

As on Friday morning, the water level in the reservoir stood at 2917.41 ft, five feet less than the full capacity of 2,922 ft.

The gross storage in the reservoir as on Friday was 32.79 TMC against the full capacity of 37.103 TMC. The live storage is 28.41 TMC.

The inflow in the last 24 hours was 26,477 cusecs. Last year on this day, the water level stood at 2873.6 ft with live storage of 2.96 TMC.

The officers of Hemavati Dam Circle had issued a warning to the people in the downstream to shift to safer places two days ago as crest gates could be opened anytime.

The 150-year-old Holy Rosary Church in the backwaters at Shettihalli is almost submerged in water.