Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jul 4: The rain that started on Thursday continues unabated except for a little respite on Friday July 3. The normal life of the people, particularly those living in urban areas and isles, has been thrown out of gear, as low lying areas are facing the risk of flood.

Sea erosion at Ullal has worsened, with huge waves whipping a few houses located close to the shore. Walls of two houses have collapsed to the ground. A mosque in Mukkacheri too is bearing the brunt of the relentless assault by sea waves. MLA U T Khader has demanded emergent measures to protect the people.

After a tree fell on the government model school of Kirimanjeshwar near Kundapur on Friday morning, the roof was smashed into pieces and ten students were injured. One of the students named Sunil (11) was seriously injured.  A tree also got uprooted on the house of Betrabettu Susheela near Kirimanjeshwhar, inflicting partial losses. Uprooted coconut trees have damaged several houses in the region. A house belonging to Mandadi Rama Poojary of Mooda village near Bantwal partially collapsed. Due to artificial floods, traffic was disrupted for some time at Badanaje near Vittal.

Sauparnika, Varahi and Kubje rivers are overflowing, and the people living on the banks of these rivers are fearful of flash floods. Power supply continues to be disrupted for most part of the day.

The news that copious rains have been received at Gerusoppa, which happens to be the catchment area for Linganamakki reservoir that serves Sharavati hydel power plant, has brought cheers to the people. The reservoir has risen four feet in the last two days, to 1,745 feet. Karnataka Power Corporation officials are hoping that the rain will continue at least for ten days.

Honnavar in Uttara Kannada got 22 cms of rain, Kollur recorded 20 cms of rain. Mangalore got 7 cms with Agumbe getting 17 cms of rain. Kundapur and Karkala received 9 cms of rain. The meteorological department has predicted the rains to continue.