Incessant torrential downpour over the past two days has left many parts of Karnataka severely waterlogged, especially the coastal and southern regions, including Mangaluru, Udupi and Kodagu.
In light of the current situation, India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued an orange alert for coastal Karnataka for Tuesday and Wednesday.
According to the Meteorological Department, the southwest monsoon has been active throughout the state, resulting in heavy rainfall in most places along the coast, south interior regions, and some northern areas.
Holiday annouced for schools and colleges
Owing to the heavy rains, a holiday was announced for schools and colleges in several districts including Karwar, Uttar Kannada, Kodagu, Udipi and Dakshina Kannada on Tuesday.
As per media reports, the heavy rains have been accompanied by high-velocity winds, causing damage to houses and electric poles in the twin coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi while in Mangaluru, rain damaged some houses as a huge tree got uprooted in the zilla panchayat office campus.
River flooding due to heavy rains
It has been reported that the rising water levels of Nethravati river have led to flooding in low-lying areas. According to officials, rivers in coastal Karnataka were flowing at capacity due to constant rain.
In a bid to ensure safety, the officials have directed people in flood-affected areas to shift to safer places, and rehabilitation centers have been set up in Panemangaluru.
As per media reports, the premises of Bhagandeshwara temple in Kodagu and Kukke Subrahmanya temple in Dakshina Kannada were inundated with water by nearby rivers.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are on standby near the Bhagandeshwara Temple in Kodagu district.
Rain disrupted traffic
Vehicular movements have also been affected in some areas due to heavy rains.
Trees falling on the Mani-Mysuru highway and the Katapadi-Shirva state highway have caused traffic disruptions, as well as damage to vehicles and injuries to individuals.
Landslide on Highway
The Kodagu-Mangalore highway witnessed heavy-rain triggered landslide which led to a traffic jam as the road remained blocked.
A JCB machine was deployed to to clear the debris from the road amid rain following which the vehicles were able to pass through.
In a bid to restore normalcy, the assistance of Fire and Rescue service personnel, and local residents were also in place.
They have cleared roads and restored power supply in affected areas.
In anticipation of more rain, 25 NDRF officials have been stationed in Kodagu district from May to November.
The Revenue Department has allocated 98 individuals specifically for rescue operations.
Moreover, there are over 200 volunteers from across all Gram Panchayats who are also assisting in the relief and rescue operations.
