Mangalore: Heavy Rains in Coast to Continue – Fishermen Warned

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jun 9: Rains continued to pound both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on Wednesday June 8. Rains which came with frequent interruptions resulted in rising levels of water in rivers, wells, etc. Rains were reported from all the taluks of the two districts, even though the quantum varied.

A number of rural roads have been heavily damaged, and in a few days, there is a threat of at least a few of them turning unmotorable. Disruption of telephone lines has been a common complaint everywhere.  So far, no reports of any loss of lives or property have been received.

The meteorological department has predicted rainfall measuring over 75 mm in the coast during the next two days. It also expects winds with a velocity of between 45 and 55 kms to blow over the Arabian Sea in the next 24 hours. In a warning to the fishermen, Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner, Dr N S Channappa Gowda, has cautioned them not to venture into the  sea for the next three days, as waves up to a height of 2.5 to 6.5 metres are likely during this period.

Udupi district deputy commissioner, Dr M T Reju, said that the district administration has been warned of the possibility of sea turning turbulent. Hence, taluk office, departments of police, ports, and fisheries, have been informed that the people living near the seashore should remain alert. People living on the banks of rivers near the places where they pour into the sea also should be very cautious, as water level in the rivers is likely to rise, he added. The people have been asked to contact the control room in case of exigencies.

Another worry on hand is the half-completed highway widening work, which will pose grave challenge to vehicles because of haphazardly dug up roadsides, heaped mud, and abandoned tree stumps.