Mangalore: Heavy rain in coast brings down trees, property damaged

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM/SP)
Pics: Kishore Peraje

Mangalore, Jun 27: On Wednesday June 26, most regions in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts received good rainfall, with patches of sunshine in between. Sullia received heavy rains as compared to other parts of Dakshina Kannada district, as a result of which a tree fell across the road at Ajjavar, affecting traffic. The river was flowing above Kumaradhara Bridge level for two hours between 6 am and 8 pm, compelling vehicle drivers and pedestrians to take a detour. Because of heavy rain, water level in the river might again rise above the bridge level, the locals apprehend.

A branch of a huge tree fell on an Ambassador car at Bastipadpu near Bantwal, resulting in extensive damages. Its driver, Sulaiman from Bantwal, escaped with nicks and cuts. The car did not have any other occupants than the driver at that time. 

The incident took place when Sulaiman was travelling towards B C road at around 7:30 am. Revenue officials visited the spot. In Bastipadpu, there are many trees on the roadside, and there is a possibility that the trees might get uprooted during the monsoon season and pose danger. But so far, the officials concerned have not taken any action, hence they remain a threat.

Due to wind, a huge holy banyan tree fell on a car, which had just come to a stop in front of a hotel in Ajjarkad in Udupi on Wednesday. All the six occupants of the car including two children had a miraculous escape. Gurudev and family members from Bangalore, who were on a visit to Manipal, had visited Diana Hotel on Wednesday. As soon as the tree started to make cracking sound and lean on them, the family members sensed that the tree was about to crush their vehicle. They rushed out of the car with the children, and got shelter under a nearby building. By that time, the tree crushed their car, and inflicted minor injuries on a motor bike rider passing at that time. The traffic police thereafter arranged for moving the tree aside to restore traffic on the road.

Two houses, belonging to Sheenappa Poojary from Chelooru and Susheela from Panjikallu, were damaged. Revenue officials estimated the loss incurred and took measures to provide compensation.

A fallen tree inflicted huge loss to a house belonging to Subraya Acharya in Jansale near Siddapur, Kundapur taluk. Roofs of a number of other houses also suffered damages. About 400 areca nut trees and 100 banana trees were razed to the ground in Badagakejekar village in Bantwal taluk due to strong wind.

Bhagamandala in Kodagu district received heavy rain. As rivers and streams are overflowing, the district administration of Kodagu has declared Thursday June 27 also as a holiday for schools.

The meteorological department has predicted rain most parts of the coast and some places in the hinterland during the period till Friday morning.