Heavy rains and thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday brought relief to residents of Karnataka’s coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi who were suffering from the rising temperatures and acute water shortage.
According to officials from Dakshina Kannada district administration, the district received an average of 40.8 mm rain in the 24 hours from June 12, 8 am. Bantwal received 50.4 mm; Belthangady, 35.1 mm; Mangaluru, 84.6 mm; Puttur, 20.6 mm and Sullia received 6.8 mm in the same time period.
Further, Udupi received 128.0 mm rain, Kundapura, 67.8 mm and Karkala, 88.5 mm rain, district officials said.
According to IMD, most parts of the coastal district is likely to see heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms till June 17.
Damage due to rains
While the rain has brought much joy to a most residents, the resultant rough sea has spelt trouble for some. As a precautionary measure, Dakshina Kannada district administration has shifted eight families residing in Ullal and Someshwara-Uchila areas on Wednesday. Home guards have been positioned in eight locations on the Ullal to Someshwara stretch as well. They have been directed to stop people from venturing into the sea and are points of contact during emergencies.
The heavy rains and turbulent sea have damaged houses in a few localities in Ullal as well as the protective wall of private resort along the coast. A building adjacent to the resort has also developed cracks. In Udupi, a house in Karkala was heavily damaged due to incessant rain and lighting.There were reports of electric poles being uprooted as well.
Residents of Ullal Mogaveerapatna, Ullal Kody, Kaiko, Killeria Nagar, Seaground, Mukkacheri are also facing risks of their properties being washed away by the waves. They allege that the retaining wall constructed in Ullal has intensified the sea erosion in Someshwar areas.
Several trees were uprooted in an estuary near Sasihithulu beach. Sasihithulu Beach Development Committee President H Vasanth raised concerns that the benches in the estuary could get washed away.
“We have brought the issues to the notice of DK district-in-charge minister U T Khader. We have submitted a proposal for work that can permanently solve the sea erosion problem in this area. The estimated cost is Rs 2 crore and we are awaiting response from the government,” Vasanth told media.
Preparedness
Following last year’s incidents, this year, the district administrations of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada have stepped up precautionary measures.
A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been stationed to handle emergencies. The 50 personnel are from the 10th Battalion of the NDRF which was stationed in Guntur in Andhra Pradesh.
Dakshina Kannada district-in-charge minister U T Khader has already convened meetings with officials of different departments for laying out protocols and ensuring they are prepared to handle mishaps due to monsoons.
Fishermen have been warned to not venture into Tannirbhavi and Panambur beaches on the coast lines for the next 24 hours and barricades have been installed to deter the tourists.
Story by Story Infinity (Subs and Scribes Media Ventures LLP.)
