Heavy rain pounds coastal districts

Heavy rain pounded the coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, while showers accompanied by gusty winds, lashed Arsikere in Hassan district on Wednesday nigh

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The increasing sea erosion in coastal areas even before the onset of monsoon has become a cause of concern for the local residents.

The areas in the vicinity of Gangolli lighthouse near Kundapur (Udupi district) have begun to bear the brunt of sea erosion with huge waves washing off sand deposits and boulders on the shore over the past two days.

Mud road washed away

A mud road leading to the shore has been washed off partially and the boat-anchoring spot, too, has been damaged. Fishermen were compelled to shift their boats to safer places with the help of cranes.

Gopal Kharvi, a resident, told Deccan Herald that they were witnessing gigantic waves this time.

He said the waves were so high that water entered a couple of houses.

Kundapur tahsildar Gayathri Nayak said the situation was under control and measures had been taken to shift the people in the affected areas, if required.

The port officials will be asked to visit the area on Friday to assess the situation, she said.

Chikmagalur

Movement of vehicles was disrupted on Kadur-Mangalore Road near Chikmagalur as strong winds uprooted trees and electricity poles.

Hassan

Gusty winds blew away rooftiles of several houses in Arsikere taluk in Hassan. More than 50 coconut trees were uprooted due to strong winds. Rains coupled with thunder and lightning lashed the town for about 45 minutes in the evening.

Normal life was affected as rainwater gushed into low-lying areas. Speedy winds blew away the roof of a house in Hirisave village.