- विज्ञापन -
Karnataka: Heavy rainfall lashed Karwar and surrounding regions in Uttara Kannada district, causing widespread disruptions to daily life as many low-lying areas were flooded and hundreds of homes inundated, officials reported on Friday.
The persistent downpour, which began late on June 11, continued through Thursday, mainly affecting both urban and rural sectors of Karwar. Streets turned into rivers, with stormwater drains overflowing. Areas such as MG Road, Geetanjali Cinema, High Church, Kodibag, and Sai Katte resembled water channels, with water entering shops, temples, and residences.
A landslide occurred near Sai Mandir on Dobighat Road early Thursday morning, causing large rocks to tumble down the hillside, raising concerns of further landslides. This event follows a Geological Survey of India (GSI) report that listed 21 locations, including Karwar, as landslide-prone zones.
Officials stated that a car from Ankola was washed into a water-filled drain near Rangamandira in Karwar after losing visibility. The vehicle and its driver were rescued using an excavator. Rita Fernandes, a resident of Kodibag whose home was flooded, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of official assistance.
“Six homes near the Kodibeer Temple were submerged. We had to evacuate elderly family members and children to relatives’ homes overnight. Our refrigerator, television, beds, rice, and lentils were soaked. Neighbors brought us food, but we don’t know where to go now. Despite our plight, not a single official or elected representative has visited us,” she lamented. The Deputy Commissioner, K. Lakshmipriya, visited affected areas including Hindu High School Road, Binaga Tunnel, and the KEB Substation to assess the situation. She directed officials to respond quickly to citizens’ needs and provide relief.
The district administration announced holidays for all Anganwadis, primary, and high schools across the coastal taluks of Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, and Bhatkal, due to ongoing heavy rainfall. According to official data, rainfall amounts (in mm) by Friday morning showed Karwar at 128.3 mm, Bhatkal at 125.6 mm, Honnavar at 113.2 mm, Kumta at 80.5 mm, and Ankola at 60.3 mm, with moderate showers across other areas. A red alert remains in effect until June 14, with heavy rains expected to continue until June 18.
A red alert signifies expected heavy to extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours. In the past 24 hours, approximately 0.75 hectares of horticultural crops were damaged. Due to the risk of landslides, the Deputy Commissioner banned vehicle parking along vulnerable sections of National Highways from June 12 until the monsoon ends. The National Highways Authority has been instructed to place warning signs and implement safety measures at critical locations.
In Bhatkal taluk’s Talagoda-Kondarker area, vehicular and pedestrian movement has also been restricted owing to landslide dangers. An alternate route has been designated through Mughdam Colony in Bhatkal for public use.
Weather officials indicated signs of a possible cloudburst over the northern parts of Uttara Kannada late Thursday night, but this has not yet been confirmed.
