Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Kasargod

Mangaluru/Kasargod, Jun 7: The onset of the southwest monsoon has intensified across the coastal region, with heavy rainfall over the past few days causing severe waterlogging, landslides, and widespread disruption of normal life in Dakshina Kannada and Kasargod districts.

Mahakalipadpu underpass submerged in Mangaluru

In Mangaluru, persistent downpours have inundated several low-lying areas. The Mahakalipadpu railway underpass has been completely flooded with muddy water, turning the stretch into a nightmare for commuters.

The stagnant water has severely disrupted vehicular movement, leaving two-wheeler riders and the general public in extreme distress. Motorists were forced to navigate the stretch at a snail's pace, and several vehicles reportedly broke down in the middle of the flooded underpass. Frustrated locals noted that this waterlogging is a recurring issue every monsoon and have strongly urged the authorities to implement a permanent solution.

Landslides and massive damage in Kasargod

Kasargod district has borne the brunt of the torrential rains and gusty winds over the last two days. On Saturday, a portion of a hill collapsed onto a house belonging to a man named Khalid in Uppala Kaikamba. Fortunately, the occupants managed to escape without injuries in the nick of time.

In another incident, a landslide onto the road in Kuniya threw traffic completely out of gear. The service roads of the National Highway were also heavily waterlogged, causing severe traffic blocks in several areas including Periya, Cherkala, Kumbla, and Manjeshwar.

Near the Madhur temple, a massive tree was uprooted and crashed onto parked vehicles due to the fierce winds. More than five vehicles, including a car and two scooters, were crushed. Disaster was averted as there was no one inside the vehicles at the time. Fire and rescue personnel later arrived at the scene to clear the fallen tree.

Wall collapse at Hosdurg church

The heavy rains also led to the collapse of the compound wall of the under-construction CSI Church in Hosdurg. The falling debris and mud trapped a JCB and two other vehicles. The massive soil runoff onto the adjacent road blocked the primary access route to several nearby quarters.

IMD issues warning

Although Kasargod was under a red alert on Saturday, the actual rainfall received was slightly less than anticipated. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rains accompanied by strong winds for the coastal region over the next few days. Authorities have warned of potential flooding along riverbanks and have advised residents living near rivers and low-lying areas to remain on high alert and take necessary precautions.