Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jun 29: Both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are getting heavy rainfall, low-lying areas have gone under water, artificial floods have appeared because of unscientific road work and blocking of water flow by constructions, and large tracts of agricultural fields and many houses have been surrounded with water.

In Udupi district over 20 houses were damaged due to strong wind and rain experienced during the last three days. The house of Rudramma Shetty from Kudrukodi Dodmane in Navunda village partially collapsed, inflicting a loss of about Rs 50,000 on the family. A number of other houses too were damaged after their walls crumbled. Fallen coconut and other trees have also resulted in heavy losses to a number of houses. A number of areca nut trees have been washed away.

After River Nandini was flooded, the minor bridge at Jalakadakatte near Ajaru, Kateel, went under water, throwing normal life out of gear. This bridge, which was in precarious condition on account of non-maintenance, is covered in water. A huge tree which flowed down the river has got stuck in this bridge and it might inflict damage to the bridge, people are afraid. Effort to remove the tree with the help of crane was made. River Nandini is also flowing in full fury near Goddess Durgaparameshwari temple, Kateel, and tourists are rushing there to capture this beautiful sight.

In several places, artificial floods were witnessed in the city, Moodbidri, Bantwal etc. There have been complaints that encroachments, narrowing of drains during construction of huge buildings etc are responsible for this situation. After a hillock caved in and huge quantity of earth got deposited on the road leading to several areas in ward No. 1 at Bantwal, movement of people and vehicles was affected.

Rainfall of 134.6 mm was recorded at Uppinangadi for the 24-hour period ending with 8.30 am on Thursday. Water level in River Netravati reached 23 metres as against the danger level of 30 metres. Out of 40 steps to the river from Sahasralingeshwara - Mahakali temple at Uppinangadi, 30 were inundated.