Chikkamagaluru: The Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority has identified 158 vulnerable regions in Chikkamagaluru district prone to floods and landslides. Sringeri taluk tops the list with 87 vulnerable areas, followed by 21 in Narasimharajapura and 17 in Mudigere.
Recent incidents have highlighted the severity, with two fatalities due to lightning strikes and two more from tree-felling accidents. One house was completely destroyed, while 49 suffered severe damage, and 70 houses were partially affected. The forecast suggests intensified rainfall in the coming weeks, impacting normal life across the malnad region, reminiscent of the severe landslides experienced in 2019.
The district administration has proactively identified 77 locations to shelter displaced individuals during emergencies. Mudigere village has been particularly affected, with reports of damaged houses like that of Kasturamma in Bakki village. Landslides have occurred in Chennadlu village, where similar incidents were reported in 2019. Minor landslides have also been noted in Tatkola and surrounding areas, accompanied by tree uprooting in Baskal and Makonahalli, causing disruptions on roads.
The adverse weather has led to a near shutdown with many shops closed, resembling a de facto bandh. Agricultural activities, especially in coffee plantations, have been severely impacted, while paddy fields continue transplantation efforts despite the challenging conditions.
In specific instances of damage, the roof of Kamala Shetty’s house in Jogimakki was damaged, and a buffalo belonging to Shivanna from Alehalli village perished under a fallen tree. Rainfall data indicates significant precipitation with Narasimharajapura recording 28 mm and Balehonnur 24.6 mm recently, while Megaramakki received 34 mm.