Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, Jul 3: Despite the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi districts, rainfall remained below expectations on Thursday, with several areas witnessing only light showers and intermittent sunshine during the day. While authorities had taken precautionary measures, including declaring a holiday for educational institutions, weather experts have forecast a fresh spell of heavy rain from July 4 to 10, prompting district administrations to remain on high alert. A holiday has been declared on Friday July 3 for all anganwadis, primary and high schools, and PU colleges across the district due to an orange alert.
Kumaradhara river
In Dakshina Kannada, although a red alert was in force, rainfall remained weak for most of on Thursday day. As a precaution against the forecast of heavy rain, a holiday had been declared on Thursday for all anganwadis, primary and high schools, and PU colleges across the district.
A few places in the district received moderate rainfall during the morning, while sunny spells alternated with cloudy conditions after noon. According to the IMD's Thursday morning report, the district recorded an average rainfall of 73.3 mm during the previous 24 hours. The highest rainfall was recorded in and around Mangaluru, Bantwal, Moodbidri and neighbouring areas.
Following the widespread rainfall over the past 24 hours, water levels in the district's major rivers have risen considerably. The Netravati river at Bantwal was flowing at 4.96 metres, the Netravati at Uppinangady at 24.5 metres, the Kumaradhara river at Pulikukku at 78.5 metres, and the Gurpur river at Addoor at 1.96 metres.
With river levels continuing to rise, the district administration has advised residents living in low-lying areas to move to safer locations if necessary. It has also issued a strict warning to the public and tourists against venturing onto riverbanks.
According to weather experts, although rainfall has temporarily weakened, the district is likely to receive widespread rain between July 4 and 10. Coastal areas are expected to witness particularly intense rainfall, accompanied by rough sea conditions. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and disaster management teams have been kept on standby across the district as a precaution.
In neighbouring Udupi district, the red alert also failed to translate into significant daytime rainfall. Instead, the district experienced intermittent sunshine throughout the day, while light to moderate showers resumed across the district during the evening.
Two incidents of wind-related damage were reported in the district. At Hadavu village in Byndoor taluk, a tree fell on the house of Francis Olivera, causing damage estimated at Rs 35,000. In another incident at Hakladi village in Kundapur taluk, a tree fell on the house of Anthamma Shetty, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 30,000.
Strong winds and rain also caused partial damage to plantation crops belonging to Satish Acharya of Ulluru village in Kundapur taluk, with losses estimated at around Rs 30,000.
During the last 24 hours, Udupi district recorded an average rainfall of 40.9 mm. Byndoor received the highest rainfall at 95.9 mm, followed by Kundapur with 46.5 mm, Karkala 30.5 mm, Hebri 27.4 mm, Kapu 17.5 mm, Udupi 17.0 mm, and Brahmavar 14.4 mm.