Torrential Rain Brings Coastal Karnataka to a Standstill

Heavy rains over the past 36 hours have disrupted normal life in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts, officials reported on Monday. The incessant downpour has caused flooding in many low-lying areas, particularly in Udupi. However, Mangaluru city remained unaffected by flooding on Monday.

In Uttara Kannada, significant rainfall was recorded in Sirsi, Siddapur, and Yellapur, as well as parts of the Malnad ghats area. The Kadra reservoir on the Kali river released 10,600 cusecs of water from four gates on Monday after water levels crossed the danger mark. Two days earlier, 6,000 cusecs were released to alleviate pressure on the overflowing river.

Impact on Local Communities

Uttara Kannada District Collector K Lakshmipriya reported extensive rain in the coastal part of the district. Consequently, 313 people sought refuge in eight care centres in Honnavar taluk, where they received basic amenities. In Karwar, heavy rain led to flooding of roads and agricultural fields in Chandia village.

In Udupi district, firefighters used rubber dinghies to rescue residents from flooded homes in Kalsanka, Bailakere, Mathadabettu, Gundibail, Padigaru, and Sagri. The district recorded the highest number of inundated spots, making normal life impossible for many residents.

Infrastructure and Traffic Disruptions

The heavy rains also caused landslides and traffic disruptions. In Honnavar's Colonel Hill area, a landslide affected National Highway 66. Debris from the landslide blocked one lane until it was cleared by IRB Infrastructure Developers Limited employees. Additionally, a fallen tree near Yellapur on National Highway 63 disrupted traffic for some time.

According to the Karnataka State Natural Disasters Monitoring Centre (KSNMDC), Dakshina Kannada and Udupi received 150 mm and 152 mm of rain respectively over the last 36 hours. These figures are higher than last year's 144 mm and 145 mm respectively, categorising this rainfall as 'excess'.

Emergency Measures and Alerts

The Met department has forecasted more heavy rain for the region. As a precautionary measure, district administrations have issued an orange alert until July 11. This alert indicates very heavy rain ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm. Schools and PU colleges in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada were closed on Monday due to the adverse weather conditions.

Uttara Kannada MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri visited affected areas in Shashihital and Gunda village and Bhaskeri of Kumta constituency on Monday. He also visited care centres in Honnavar taluk to consult with victims. MLA Dinkar Shetty and other local leaders accompanied him during these visits.

In response to the ongoing situation, Uttara Kannada's Karwar MLA Satish Sail performed a traditional offering known as 'bagina' to the Kadra reservoir on Monday. This ritual is a customary practice in Karnataka when rivers are in full spate.

The district administrations of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have declared holidays for schools and PU colleges on Tuesday as well due to the high likelihood of continued heavy rain. Similarly, Lakshmipriya announced a holiday for all schools and Pre-University colleges in Honnavar and Kumta taluks on July 9.

The Karnataka State Natural Disasters Monitoring Centre (KSNMDC) is closely monitoring the situation. Rescue teams are on standby to respond to any emergencies that may arise due to the ongoing heavy rains.

The relentless rainfall has severely impacted daily life across these districts. Authorities are working tirelessly to manage the situation and provide relief to affected communities.