Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 20: Pre-monsoon showers intensified across the coastal belt as heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning lashed Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasargod districts since Sunday evening, damaging several houses and disrupting normal life.
Strong winds and heavy downpour hit various parts of Dakshina Kannada including Suratkal, Bantwal, Kalladka, B C Road, Beltangady, Madantyar, Ujire, Dharmasthala, Kanyana, Vittal, Kadaba, Sullia, Subrahmanya, Panja, Bellare, Puttur, Uppinangady, Moodbidri, and Bajpe. In Mangaluru city, rain and gusty winds around 6 pm caused waterlogging in low-lying areas, leading to traffic disruptions.
Lightning damages 10 houses in Kulasekhar
Lightning struck ten houses in Kulasekhar on Saturday, damaging electrical connections and burning out power meters. MLC Ivan D’Souza visited the affected area and reviewed the situation. The unseasonal rain also dampened Deepavali shopping activity across the city.
Moodbidri: House damaged by lightning in Iruvail
At Iruvail in Moodbidri, the house of Revathi Poojarthi in Devaragudde suffered damage after being struck by lightning on Saturday evening. Fortunately, no one was at home at the time of the incident, averting casualties. Electrical equipment and household items were damaged in the blast.
Bantwal, Beltangady: Moderate showers reported
Moderate rainfall with occasional thunder was reported in Bantwal and Beltangady taluks on Sunday evening. No major damage has been reported. The downpour that began on the evening of October 18 continued till late night.
IMD issues yellow alert for next few days
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rains are expected to continue for the next week along the coast. A yellow alert has been issued for the coastal districts from October 20 to 25, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
Kasargod: Thunderstorms hit multiple areas
Heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning lashed several parts of Kasargod district on Sunday evening and night. Manjeshwar, Badiadka, Perla, Kumble, and Uppala received moderate to heavy rainfall. A yellow alert has been issued in the district for October 20.
Udupi: Yellow alert till October 21
The weather department has issued a yellow alert for Udupi district till October 21, predicting continued rainfall. On Sunday evening, several areas including Byndoor, Kundapur, Kota, Saligrama, Brahmavar, Udupi, Manipal, Hebri, Shirva, Katapady, Kapu, and Padubidri received steady rain. The persistent showers have reportedly affected the sale of firecrackers ahead of the Deepavali festival.
Lightning strikes house in Kapu
In Kapu, lightning struck the house of Shantharam Kotian at Padugrama on Saturday evening, damaging the building’s wiring, TV, refrigerator, and other electrical appliances. The family had gone out at the time and escaped unhurt. The estimated loss is over Rs 3 lac. Revenue officials and municipal members visited the spot and assessed the damage.
Lightning damages house and electronics in Puttur
At Bellippady near Kodimbady in Puttur taluk, lightning struck the house of Anantha Rama Shetty on October 19 evening, causing cracks in the walls and damaging household electronics including a television and fans. Electrical wiring was also burnt out, though the family members escaped unharmed.
Bantwal: House damaged in Kumdelu
In another incident, lightning struck the sit-out of Harish’s house in Kumdelu village, Pudu, Bantwal taluk on the night of October 18, damaging roof tiles and concrete portions. The incident has been reported to the revenue department for assessment.