Haveri district was battered by heavy rains on Monday night and Tuesday morning, leading to significant disruptions across several villages. The intense downpour, combined with strong winds, resulted in uprooted trees and damaged properties. Roof tiles were blown off houses and agricultural sheds in multiple areas, causing distress among residents.
The taluks of Hangal, Hirekerur, and Rattihalli bore the brunt of the weather, where reports of heavy rainfall were common. As the region transitioned into the monsoon season, it initially received ample rainfall, but this had diminished over time. Recently, cloudy weather has been infrequent, while temperatures in many villages, including Haveri, Ranebennur, and Savanur, have risen significantly.
On Monday night, the heavy rain was particularly intense, accompanied by thunder and lightning. In Somasagar village, significant damage was reported at the G.S. Clothing Factory owned by Sunil Chikonati, where the roof was blown away, allowing rainwater to flood the premises and damage crucial machinery, including a sari weaving machine.
Moreover, the storm caused a tree to fall on the road connecting Somasagar village to Mulattalli village, severely disrupting transportation. Local school students encountered difficulties in their morning commutes due to the obstructed road. Fortunately, villagers rallied together to clear the fallen tree. “There was heavy rain with strong winds on Monday night. During this time, a tree had fallen on the road. Tree branches were scattered all over the road, preventing vehicles from moving,” recounted local residents. After receiving notifications about the fallen tree, community members promptly arrived to cut the branches and clear the debris, restoring access.
According to officials from the Meteorology Department, the district can expect continued rainfall in the coming days. “Along with sunshine, there is occasional rainfall in the district. Heavy rain was reported in some areas on Monday night, and the forecast suggests more rain ahead,” they stated. This information is concerning for farmers in the area, particularly those with crops ready for harvest.
The ongoing rains have put considerable stress on local farmers. Many have rushed to dry their crops, including soybean and maize, which were sown during the southwest monsoon season. With the crops now ready for harvest, the sudden rainfall has left farmers anxious about the quality and marketability of their produce.
Shankrappa, a local farmer, expressed his concerns, saying, “Maize fetches a good price only if the moisture content is low. But now, due to the rain, the moisture content in maize has increased. If we spread it out for drying, there’s a fear of more rain. We hope for a break in the rain so that the grains can dry properly.”
As farmers face the dual challenges of heavy rains and rising temperatures, the urgency to manage their crops effectively is paramount. The local community remains hopeful that the weather will stabilise soon, allowing for the successful harvest of their crops.
The havoc wreaked by heavy rains in Haveri district highlights the vulnerabilities faced by local residents and farmers alike. While community efforts to restore infrastructure have been commendable, the ongoing weather challenges pose significant risks to agricultural activities. The coming days will be crucial as farmers navigate the uncertainties brought by the monsoon, hoping for fair weather to aid their harvests.