Karnataka: Torrential rains disrupt normal life in coastal districts

Mangaluru: Torrential rains continued to pound several parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on Monday. However, rains receded by noon bringing some respite.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the Dakshina Kannada district for June 17, indicating the possibility of continued heavy rainfall.

The incessant rains resulted in landslides and brought down several houses. In the last 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Monday, 104 electricity poles and five transformers have been damaged along with partially damage to 11 houses. 

Water levels in several rivers across the region— the Nethravathi, Phalguni, and Kumaradhara— have witnessed a significant rise. In particular, the low-lying areas near the Phalguni river have been inundated.

To ensure the safety of the public, the Belthangady Wildlife Division has imposed a temporary ban on tourist entry into popular natural sites such as Gadayikallu, Bandaje, and Didupe waterfalls. This restriction will remain in place until further notice. Relentless rains brought life to a standstill in large parts of Kundapura and Byndoor taluks of Udupi district. The downpour over Sunday night resulted in flooding in several areas.

Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple in Kamalashile now stands submerged under the swelling waters of the Kubja river.

Villages along the Souparnika river basin are grappling with severe flooding. Roads like the crucial Maravanthe–Padukone stretch have remained underwater, leaving families stranded.

As much as 10,000 cusecs of water was released from Harangi dam in Kodagu following heavy rains in the district. Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited has issued warnings to the people dwelling on the river banks.

The current water level in Harangi dam is 2851.91 feet while the maximum level of the dam is 2,859 feet. The inflow was 8,764 cusecs as on Monday evening at 5 pm.