Pics: Sumanth

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 27: Heavy downpour led to significant damage in Udupi, causing flood-like conditions and prompting the evacuation of residents from affected areas on Wednesday, June 26.

The heavy rains resulted in artificial flooding in Udupi city and surrounding areas, including Malpe, Manipal, Bailakere, Indrani, Pandubettu, Moodubettu, and Bannanje. As floodwaters seeped into homes, residents were forced to evacuate. In Bailakere Adamaru Math, residents had to be rescued when water entered four houses during the night. Firefighters relocated a total of 14 individuals to safety, housing them in a private hotel at the Shri Krishna Math parking area.

The continuous rain throughout the night caused the Shri Krishna Math parking area and nearby regions to flood. The heavy rain and wind disrupted daily life, with trees falling and blocking roads across the city.

A significant tree collapse occurred on an inner road in Indrani, blocking vehicular traffic. Power outages were reported in many areas, exacerbated by high winds that uprooted trees and downed electric poles, particularly on the Pandubettu road connecting Udupi and Malpe. Traffic on Malpe road was severely affected by these conditions.

In Adi Udupi, a tree uprooted at around 11 pm on June 26 led to power cuts as falling electric poles further disrupted services. Similar incidents were reported along Udyavar national highway and near a CNG pump on Ambagil National Highway, where trees were also uprooted.

Heavy waterlogging was observed in Moodanidambur and Bannanje, with water even flooding a temple. Residents in these areas face annual hardships during the monsoon, with water levels rising above sea level and causing widespread flooding. In Moodubettu, overflowing drainage systems led to additional flooding.

Shalini, a resident of Moodanidambur, expressed her frustration, saying, “The drainage here is blocked by a compound, causing rainwater to seep into our house, creating a dangerous situation. We face this issue every year and have reported it to the officials, but the problem persists. The logged rainwater pollutes our well water, emitting a foul odour every night.”

Natesh, another affected resident, added, “For the past two years, heavy rain has caused water to flood our house. We have reported this to local authorities and the municipality, but no action has been taken. The improper drainage system, especially during the construction of Jayalaxmi, exacerbates the problem. We urgently need a proper drainage system.”