Mangaluru/Udupi/Karwar: Numerous localities in the Coastal Districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada encounter flooding and submergence, disrupting normal life. Incidences of minor landslides, combined with overflowing stormwater drains contaminated with open sewage, become commonplace sights on July 4 in various areas of Mangaluru and Udupi cities, with further inundation affecting agricultural fields on the outskirts.
Mahaveera Circle, Kottara Circle, and other low-lying regions within Mangaluru city, as well as its outskirts, suffer from extensive submersion. Consequently, traffic not only moves sluggishly but also experiences significant congestion at Mahaveera Circle, where traffic from Bengaluru on NH 75 and from Udupi towards Kerala on NH 66 converges. The flood escape road at Jeppinamogaru also remains flooded for a few hours on July 4.
In response to warnings from meteorologists, the District Administrations of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada have declared school and college holidays for the next three days.
Nevertheless, the major rivers such as Kali, Sharavathi, Nethravati, Kumaradhara, Swarna, and their tributaries continue to flow below normal levels, raising concerns among district authorities. The inflow into these rivers has increased from 5000 cusecs to 11,000 cusecs per day, while in a typical monsoon period, it ranges from 22,000 to 24,000 cusecs per day.
Several parts of Udupi District receive copious rainfall on July 3, starting in the morning and persisting throughout the day. Although the Karkala region experiences relatively less precipitation, other areas across the District witness substantial rainfall.
As per the latest forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the District can expect continuous rainfall on July 4 and 5. In light of these conditions, the Udupi District Disaster Management Authority issues an orange alert for July 4, July 5, and July 7, with a yellow alert in effect for July 6 and July 8.
Incidents related to the rain lead to partial damage in several houses. Akkayya Poojarthi’s residence in Airody, Brahmavara, suffers an estimated loss of Rs. 25,000. Similarly, Lokayya Poojary’s house in Kanthavara, Karkala taluk, endures partial damage amounting to around Rs. 30,000. In Padoor, Kaup, Jalaja Shedthi’s house incurs partial damage, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs. 25,000. Furthermore, Basava Handa’s house in Ajri, Kundapur, sustains a loss of approximately Rs. 1 lakh due to partial damage. Finally, Thimma Poojari’s residence in Devalkunda, Kundapur, experiences partial damage, leading to an estimated loss of Rs. 25,000.
According to the Rain Cell at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the recorded rainfall measurements across various areas of Udupi district during the 24-hour period until 8:30 am on July 3 are as follows: Udupi Taluk receives 99.1 mm of rainfall, Brahmavara records 100.1 mm, Kaup receives 79.0 mm, Kundapur witnesses 64.5 mm, Byndoor experiences 76.2 mm, Karkala reports 76.4 mm, and Hebri receives 77.9 mm of rainfall. Overall, the Udupi district receives an average rainfall of 78.3 mm in the past 24 hours, concluding at 8:30 am on July 3.
Fishermen are advised against venturing into the sea due to the likelihood of rough weather conditions over the next 24 hours. The coastal region is expected to face strong winds ranging from 40-45 to 55 km per hour.