Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jun 14: Both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts experienced good rainfall on Thursday. The rain has given rise to worry for the people living in low-lying areas in these districts. The rain which was in the form of regular, heavy drizzle was accompanied by lightning and thunder. Rain-related accidents claimed two lives.

Sharada Shetty (73) from Uppunda Tamateharlu near Byndoor, who was on a visit of the family farm, died after coming in contact with a severed power line while Poornima (34) from Panjirpu in Kali gram panchayat limits of Beltangady taluk stepped on live wire that had got severed and fallen in her courtyard and was electrocuted. 

The sea has become turbulent and sea erosion was reported from various places.   The sea remained tumultuous in Ullal region on Thursday too and several trees got washed away by the surging waves. Due to mudslide and blockage of drainages, low lying areas were inundated at several places including the city. Artificial food was noticed in front of central railway station. Water which accumulated on the road near Jyothi, Bunts Hostel, City Centre mall, Kankanady Fr Muller Hospital, Jail Road and other places created problems for the smooth movement of vehicles.

The rain also gave rise to traffic block at several places. City police commissioner, Sandeep Patil, visited different areas and took steps to ease the problem. A number of electric poles were uprooted. A team has been formed specifically to handle sea erosion at Ullal, Someshwara, Uchila and Kaiko areas. Boat has been kept ready to handle any eventuality of flash flood or landslide at Adyapady. NDRF, police, fire brigade and 60 staff of home guards are working to handle rain-related problems.

Similar problems were also faced in Kasargod district where several houses collapsed and fallen trees severed power lines. Five houses in Killeria Nagar were consumed by waves while 49 houses have been identified as facing danger.