Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi (MS)
Mangaluru/Udupi, Apr 20: Residents of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts breathed a sigh of relief as substantial rainfall graced the region in the early hours of Saturday, April 20.
Earlier, the outskirts of Mangaluru, Suratkal, and Haleangady experienced moderate rainfall on Thursday night and early Friday morning.
On Friday evening, various parts of Sullia, Kadaba, and Beltangady received abundant rainfall, while some areas of Bantwal and Puttur received moderate showers. Consequently, there were disruptions in electricity supply.
Localities including Charmadi, Neriya, Mundaje, Ujire, Guripalya, Gerukatte, Thotattadi, Chibidre, Kadirudyavara, and Didupe witnessed significant rainfall on Friday.
While hailstones pounded Charmadi, Neriya experienced heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Ujire and Dharmasthala received a light drizzle.
Motorists faced challenges on the Nidigal-Seetu-Somanthadka stretch of the national highway due to ongoing road widening work, causing delays. Two-wheeler riders particularly struggled with the muddy conditions, with a tanker slipping on the road near Ambadthyaru, blocking traffic for over an hour.
In Kanakamajalu, trees and electricity poles were uprooted. On Thursday and Friday, waves of three to four feet were observed in the seas at Mangaluru, Ullal, Malpe, Gangolli, Bhatkal, Honnavar, Tadadi, and Karwar. Wind speeds also increased, reaching velocities of 14 to 21 kilometers per hour.
Areas such as Manipal, Udupi City, Brahmavar, Karkala, Malpe, and Padubidri in Udupi district experienced significant showers.
The rainfall persisted into the morning in Udupi City, causing temporary disruptions to electricity supply.
Rain havoc persisted in Udupi city as well. The road in Rammanna Shetty layout of Kadabettu area, under Udupi city municipality, was severely affected by the incomplete drainage repair work.
The ongoing drainage repair work in the Kadabuettu area was disrupted by sudden rainfall, causing rainwater to inundate the work site and resulting in extensive damage to the road. As a result, local residents were unable to leave their homes due to the chaos.
Numerous large potholes have formed in the middle of the road in this area.
According to the weather department, many areas in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi are forecasted to experience rainfall over the next three days. A yellow alert has been issued for April 20 and 21, indicating the likelihood of heavy rain during this period.