Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Jul 19: Torrential rains have wreaked havoc in various parts of Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district, causing severe flooding in residential areas, shops, and streets. Panemangalore, Aladka, Bantwal, Badakatte, Goodinabali, Jakribettu, and Kanchikara are some of the areas that have been submerged.
The Netravati River surpassed danger levels, inundating roads and bridges across the region. The deluge has affected agricultural lands extensively, leading to significant losses. Over 50 households have been advised to evacuate to safer locations.
In the past three days, the Nethravati river, which was flowing at 6 meters, surged to 8.2 meters on Friday morning due to continuous rainfall, inundating low-lying areas. The river overflowed near Ajilamogaru, flooding roads and threatening homes. Several agricultural plantations in Sarapadi have also suffered significant damage due to the flooding.
The river also caused flooding in Bantwal town, submerging the road near Jakribettu and halting vehicular traffic. Panemangalore Sharada High School playground and nearby areca nut plantations have also been affected.
Administration takes immediate action
Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan visited the flood-affected areas in Bantwal, including Panemangalore and Aladka, on Friday afternoon. He assessed the situation with local administration and police officials. The DC instructed the relocation of residents from flood-prone houses and reviewed the arrangements at relief centers. Police superintendent and zilla panchayat chief executive officer, along with tahsildar Archana Bhat, were also present.
Widespread damage reported
Heavy rains have caused extensive damage across the taluk in recent days, leading to significant losses. In Baltila village, a tree fell on the house of Somappa, causing damage. In Neerpadde village, a tree fell on Sumathi’s roof, and in Sangabettu village, a tree fell on Nagesh's kitchen. In Koyila village, a landslide occurred, and local panchayat members are clearing the debris.
Lightning strikes house in Chelladka village
In Chelladka of Kepu village, a house was struck by lightning on July 18, causing damage to electronic appliances and setting part of the house on fire. The family members inside managed to escape unharmed. The local fire department, with the help of residents, extinguished the fire.
Chicken shed collapses in heavy rain
In Sekehitlu in Kula village, a chicken shed owned by Raghava collapsed due to heavy rain, killing approximately 1,500 chickens. The shed, which housed 2,200 chickens of which 700 were sold earlier, was completely destroyed, resulting in significant financial loss.
Local officials, including panchayat development officers and BJP leaders, visited the affected areas to assess the damage.
Electrical shortage and safety concerns
Due to the power outage caused by the heavy rains, electrical equipment in many houses has been damaged. Local electricians are working round the clock to repair and restore power supply in the affected areas. Safety precautions have been advised to prevent accidents.
Local communities, volunteers extend support
In response to the calamity, local youth and community members have rallied together, offering support in rescue efforts and distributing relief materials. The district administration and panchayat authorities are coordinating with local organizations to provide necessary aid to affected families.
The situation remains critical, with ongoing rescue and relief operations focusing on minimising further loss of life and property damage. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to extend assistance as required.
As the rain continues unabated, the administration urges residents to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines. They emphasize the importance of staying indoors and avoiding unnecessary travel. The district administration reassures the public of their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the floods.