Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (MS)

Bantwal, Jul 22: Half a century has passed since the devastating flood that inundated Bantwal and its surrounding areas in 1974. Last year marked the centenary of another catastrophic flood that occurred in 1923. The 1974 flood took place on July 26, a Friday, and coincidentally, the 50th anniversary also falls on a Friday.

While the 1974 flood was not as destructive as the one in 1923, its impact was still significant. Although no photos from the 1923 flood are available, the buildings and houses in the Bantwal-Panemangalore area bear watermarks from the flood to serve as a reminder. Similar markings from the 1974 flood can also be seen in the same areas.

The 1974 flood's severity was captured in black-and-white photographs, which have recently gone viral on social media. Many areas, including Uppinangady, Bantwal, and Panemangalore, were completely inundated, and numerous thatched houses were seen floating in the floodwaters.

Few people remain who witnessed the 1923 flood, but the memory of the 1974 flood is still fresh for many. Photos taken by the late Dr Narendra Acharya, showing the Bantwal city market area submerged in water, are still preserved. Those who experienced the 1974 flood assert that no similar flood has occurred since.