Heavy rain and wind leave a trail of destruction in Udupi district

Team Udayavani, Apr 21, 2024, 8:44 AM IST

The rains and thunderstorms that hit the district late on Friday night and early Saturday led to significant damages, including disruptions in electricity supply and destruction of property in several areas.

The rains lashed several areas including Udupi city, Brahmavara, Kundapura, Karkala, Byndoor, Siddapura, Hebri, Padubidri, Belman, and Malpe.

Numerous houses in the district suffered damage due to the strong winds and rainfall. Over 190 electric poles were uprooted, resulting in power outages in several localities.

Additionally, drainage systems in Kadabettu, Manipal, and Udupi were clogged, causing water stagnation in some areas and overflow onto roads. Udupi city’s daily market also experienced property damage when a large tree fell, damaging a nearby vegetable shop.

40mm rainfall:

According to weather reports, the district received an average rainfall of 40 mm, with variations across different regions. Karkala recorded 32.2 mm, Kundapur 51.3 mm, Udupi 35.3 mm, Byndur 19.9 mm, Brahmavar 43.8 mm, Kapu 79.4 mm, and Hebri 38.8 mm of rainfall.

Damage to Infrastructure:

The MESCOM reported that it incurred losses amounting to Rs 32 lakhs due to the adverse weather conditions. Approximately 192 electric poles and 4.12 km of electric wire lines were damaged. MESCOM Superintendent Dinesh Upadhya confirmed repairs were underway and alternative electricity connections to affected areas were being arranged.

Crop loss: 

The heavy rain and wind also wreaked havoc on agricultural lands, particularly areca nut plantations in Kundapura. Thousands of areca nut trees of multiple farmers were uprooted and damaged, resulting in substantial losses to the farming community.

In Thekkatte, extensive damage was reported, including the destruction of areca nut trees, banana plantations, and more than 30 houses. Additionally, over 70 electric poles toppled, affecting a significant portion of the region’s infrastructure.

Local authorities, including MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi and Tehsildar Shobha Lakshmi, visited affected areas to assess the extent of damage and oversee relief efforts. Officials from the Horticulture Department of Kundapura also conducted inspections to evaluate agricultural losses.