Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru 

Mangaluru, Apr 20: Various parts of Dakshina Kannada experienced unseasonal rainfall on Monday evening, providing a brief respite from the scorching heatwave. However, the accompanying heavy winds and lightning caused significant damage to property, disrupted public events, and affected transport in several taluks.

Rainfall and heatwave warning

The weather turned around 6 pm as cold winds and thunderstorms swept across the region. While Mangaluru city witnessed moderate rainfall, rural areas including Subramanya, Bantwal, Puttur, and Kadaba received heavy downpours. Despite the cooling effect, the meteorological department has warned of intense heatwave conditions and high humidity from Tuesday to Thursday.

Disruption at cultural events

In Mangaluru’s Shaktinagar, the sudden gale-force winds severely disrupted a Yakshagana Bayalata performance. The stage (rangastala) was completely covered in thick dust, while the green room (chowki), shamiana, and decorative items were scattered by the wind.

Widespread destruction in Beltangady

Beltangady taluk bore the brunt of the storm on Monday evening, with reports of heavy rain and extensive property damage.

• Vehicle mishaps: In Ujire, a massive tree branch crashed onto a moving car. A journalist travelling in the vehicle had a miraculous escape, though the car was significantly damaged. Another car belonging to Dinesh Acharya was also damaged by a falling tree.

• Residential damage: In Mundaje, the house of one Ramakka was completely destroyed after a tree collapsed onto it. Four other houses in the Chamundinagar area sustained partial damage. In Kuluru, the roof tiles of Radha Poojary’s house were blown away, while the roofing sheets of Yashoda’s house were also damaged. Four houses in the Mundaje Janata Colony were reportedly affected.

• Agricultural and infrastructure loss: Hundreds of areca nut and rubber trees were uprooted across the taluk. Several electricity poles were broken, leading to widespread power outages and internet disruptions. In Ambadabettu, a temporary road constructed near a new bridge on the Ujire-Indabettu route collapsed due to the rain, halting heavy vehicle traffic.

Relief operations

Members of the Dharmasthala Shaurya disaster management team, along with local residents, worked throughout the evening to clear fallen trees from roads, including the blocked Didupe-Mundaje stretch, to restore movement.