Heavy rains and strong winds cause destruction in Kodagu District

Team Udayavani, Jul 14, 2024, 7:09 PM IST

The district of Kodagu has been experiencing heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. Fallen tree branches have damaged six cars, and power lines have been brought down, leading to power outages and the death of a cow.

Over the past few days, the rains, which had briefly subsided, have intensified again since Sunday, resulting in extensive damage to public and private property. In Madikeri taluk, continuous rainfall has caused concern among residents, especially those living in hilly and low-lying areas.

In Madikeri, roads connecting to Galibeedu village have been blocked by fallen trees and power poles. Forest department personnel are engaged in clearing operations.

In Somawarpet, near a resort, six cars were damaged by falling tree branches due to heavy winds. Fortunately, the tourists and taxi drivers who had parked their vehicles there escaped unhurt.

In a tragic incident near Chowdlu village, also in Somwarpet, a three-month-old calf was electrocuted when a power line snapped and fell. The calf belonged to local resident Suresh.

In Chennapur village of Gowdalli Gram Panchayat in Shanivarasanthe hobli, Lakshmi’s house was partially damaged due to the rain. In Guddethosuru village of Kushalnagar taluk, the wall of Janardhan’s house collapsed. Kushalnagar taluk tahsildar Kiran Gaurayya and other officials visited the site for inspection.

In Mekeri village of Sampaje hobli, the wall of Ayisha’s house collapsed, and the remaining structure has developed cracks. The residents have been relocated to a safer location.

Fallen trees and damaged power poles have caused power outages in several rural areas of the district. The heavy rains are also affecting Talakaveri, Bhagamandala, and Napoklu, with rising water levels at the Triveni Sangama in Bhagamandala.

Madikeri city, along with Galibeedu, Kaluru, Mukkodlu, Bettageri, Biligeri, Karike, Peraje, Sampaje, Siddapur, Karadigodu, Nellihudikeri, Suntikoppa, Kushalnagar, Harangi, Kudige, Somwarpet, Madapur, Shanivarsanthe, and Srimangala, is experiencing torrential rains.

Shanivarsanthe in Somwarpet taluk has received over five and a half inches of rain in the past 24 hours. Napoklu has recorded three and a half inches, while Madikeri city is experiencing continuous cold and misty weather, disrupting daily life.

Residents living near rivers, hills, and low-lying areas are on high alert due to the relentless rain and strong winds. The district administration has advised people to remain cautious. Officials, including the NDRF, fire department, police department, and revenue department, are on standby to handle any emergencies. Lawmakers and district authorities have issued directives to ensure preparedness for any situation.