Heavy rainfall continues in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi

Team Udayavani, Jul 16, 2024, 8:39 AM IST

Mangaluru/Udupi: Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts experienced heavy downpours throughout the day on Monday, following a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department. Dense clouds and intense rain were observed intermittently. The heavy rainfall in the Ghat areas has raised the inflow of the district’s rivers.

The Meteorological Department has extended the red alert for Tuesday, forecasting more wind and rain. As a precaution, the district administrations have declared a holiday for all anganwadis, government, aided, and private primary and secondary schools, and pre-university colleges in the districts on July 16.

Several incidents were reported due to the heavy rainfall. In Sampaje, a well collapsed, injuring a laborer working nearby. Beltangady and Puttur taluks saw continuous rain and strong winds throughout the day, leading to tree falls in various locations. Bantwal taluk also experienced continuous rain, causing damage to a few houses. In Mangaluru city and its outskirts, rain occurred sporadically from morning onwards.

The formation of a low-pressure area in the northwest and west-central Bay of Bengal, adjacent to the Odisha coast, has also contributed to the increased rainfall. An orange alert is likely from Wednesday for the next three days.

Warnings for Fishermen

Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea due to the possibility of rough conditions with wind speeds reaching 35-55 km/h. Waves up to 3.7 meters are expected along the coast from Mulkki to Mangaluru until 11:30 PM on July 16. Small boats have been advised to stay ashore from Byndoor to Kapu due to the anticipated high waves.

Highway Traffic Slowdown

In Kalladka, ongoing highway construction has led to waterlogging, obstructing traffic. Vehicular movement on the highway has been slow. In Mangaluru’s Nantoor and KPT Junction, traffic congestion was reported due to the waterlogged roads.

Netravati River Water Level Rises

Persistent rainfall in the Ghats has increased water levels in various rivers, including the Netravati. In Bantwal, the water level rose from 3 meters in the morning to 6.1 meters by evening. The danger mark for the river in Bantwal is 8 meters.

Rain Damage in Dakshina Kannada

Over the last 24 hours ending Monday morning, Dakshina Kannada district received an average rainfall of 68 mm. During this period, four houses suffered severe damage, while six houses were partially damaged. Relief centers have been opened in Kavoor and Subrahmanya in the district. The district administration reported damage to 112 electric poles and 5.6 km of power lines.

In Subrahmanya, continuous heavy rainfall since Sunday night led to the flooding of the Kumaradhara river, submerging the bathing ghat. Access to the river has been restricted, and water is being collected in drums for ritual baths. Home guards and temple security personnel have been deployed for precautionary measures.

Highway Inundated

The Subrahmanya-Manjeshwar highway was submerged due to heavy rain, disrupting traffic. Security personnel were deployed for safety measures.

Public Advised to Avoid Waterlogged Areas

The DK district administration has advised the public and tourists to avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, and seashores. In case of emergencies, the public can contact the district administration’s 24×7 control room at toll-free number 1077 or 0824-2442590.

Kasaragod Damage

In Kasaragod, strong winds and heavy rain caused trees to fall, damaging electric poles and obstructing traffic in Pratapnagar. Several houses and quarters were damaged due to fallen trees.

Udupi Rain Impact

In Udupi district, continuous rain caused damage to houses and infrastructure. Over the past two days, 155 electric poles were damaged, leading to prolonged power outages.

Kundapur and Byndoor taluks experienced continuous heavy rain, causing waterlogging on several key roads, disrupting traffic. Hundreds of hectares of paddy fields were submerged, affecting the crop yield.

School Wall Collapse

The wall of the kitchen in the Doddanagudde Government Higher Primary School collapsed on Sunday night. Thankfully, no one was injured. The block education officer visited the school and recommended constructing a new building.

Kodagu District Rain

Kodagu district has seen intense rainfall over the past two days, damaging several houses. The Triveni Sangam in Bhagamandala is overflowing, and the water flow in the Cauvery River has increased.