Moodbidri: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds caused widespread disruption across parts of Moodbidri taluk on Friday, damaging vehicles, commercial establishments and electricity infrastructure. The adverse weather led to traffic disruptions, power outages and financial losses for traders, particularly at the weekly market held at Swarajya Maidan.
Tree falls on vehicles, blocks road
A roadside tree was uprooted by the strong winds at Aliyur Junction and fell onto a parked car and a pickup vehicle. Both vehicles sustained damage in the incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The uprooted tree also blocked the Aliyur–Moodbidri road, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill. Commuters were forced to wait as traffic remained disrupted for nearly two hours.
Local residents stepped in to remove the fallen tree from the road with the help of available equipment. Their efforts helped restore normal traffic movement on the busy stretch after the obstruction was cleared.
Weekly market traders suffer losses
The strong winds also caused damage to several shop units at the municipal market located at Swarajya Maidan. Roofing sheets and tarpaulin covers were blown away by the gusty winds, exposing shops and goods to the heavy rain.
As Friday coincided with the weekly market, the incident affected a large number of traders and vendors who had gathered to conduct business. Rainwater entered several temporary and permanent shop units, damaging goods stored inside.
Many traders reported losses as food items, groceries, garments and other merchandise were soaked in rainwater. The sudden change in weather forced several vendors to suspend business temporarily, while others struggled to protect their goods from further damage.
The damage also inconvenienced hundreds of customers who had visited the weekly market, with several stalls remaining closed until conditions improved.
Power supply disrupted in several areas
The heavy rain and strong winds also affected electricity supply across several parts of Moodbidri taluk. Trees and branches fell on electricity poles and power lines at multiple locations, leading to outages in residential and commercial areas.
Electricity department personnel were deployed immediately after receiving reports of the damage. Teams worked to remove fallen trees, repair damaged lines and restore power supply in the affected localities.
Officials continued restoration work through the day to ensure electricity was resumed as quickly as possible. Residents were advised to remain cautious and avoid approaching damaged power lines until repair works were completed.
Residents urged to remain cautious
The spell of inclement weather highlighted the vulnerability of roadside trees and temporary market structures during periods of intense rain and strong winds. Local residents assisted authorities by clearing road obstructions and helping restore normal movement.
With the monsoon continuing across the coastal region, authorities have urged the public to exercise caution while travelling during heavy rain, avoid parking vehicles beneath large trees and report fallen trees or damaged electricity infrastructure to the concerned departments immediately.
Despite the disruption, prompt action by local residents and officials helped restore traffic and initiate power restoration, preventing prolonged inconvenience to the public. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring weather conditions and respond swiftly to any further rain-related incidents in the taluk.