Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Apr 14: Several parts of Udupi district were lashed by sudden gusty winds accompanied by heavy rainfall, throwing normal life out of gear.

The sudden onset of strong winds caused panic among residents, with dust clouds rising along the roads and traffic movement coming to a standstill. Roofing sheets were seen flying across the streets due to the intensity of the winds.

Thunderstorms with heavy rain affected multiple regions including Karkala, Manipal, Hiriyadka, Udupi town, and Brahmavar. In areas where the winds were particularly strong, power supply was disrupted. The downpour began immediately following the strong winds.

In a tragic incident near Koppala, at Indira Serigarthi, a house suffered severe damage as cement sheets and electric poles and wires were torn apart by the storm. The estimated loss is reported to be around Rs. 3 lakhs.

In Moodubettu, Udupi, a huge tree fell and damaged three houses. Another incident occurred in Kadiyali, where a large peepal (Ashwatha) tree collapsed onto a house, injuring the couple residing there—Raghavendra Bhat and his wife Neeraja. Their house has been completely damaged.

Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna and Congress leader Prasad Raj Kanchan visited the affected areas of Moodubettu and Kadiyali. The MLA instructed officials to provide maximum compensation and make temporary arrangements for the victims.

Across Udupi city, several flex hoardings and banners were torn down. In Manipal and at the city bus stand, flex banners and poles were uprooted completely due to the high winds.