Mangaluru: Unseasonal rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds swept across the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasargod on May 12, bringing temporary relief from the intense summer heat but also causing widespread power outages and property damage in several areas.
Mangaluru city witnessed a good spell of rain during the night after a hot and humid day. The sudden change in weather came after cloudy conditions prevailed in the morning before temperatures rose sharply during the afternoon. According to weather observations, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 34.8°C and a minimum of 25.1°C on Tuesday.
Apart from Mangaluru city, rainfall was reported in several parts of Dakshina Kannada district, including Beltangady, Venur, Ujire, Shirlalu, Guripalla, Sullia, Nintikallu, Aivarnadu, Bellare, Bantwal, and Puttur. The rain was accompanied by gusty winds and lightning in many regions, leading to disruption in electricity supply and inconvenience to residents.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms and rain across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts over the next three days. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during periods of lightning and strong winds.
Udupi and Bantwal face power disruptions
Udupi city and surrounding areas experienced heavy rain along with thunder and lightning beginning around 9.30 pm on Tuesday. The rain continued late into the night, with strong winds affecting normal life in many parts of the district.
The sudden downpour triggered immediate power cuts in several localities, leaving residents without electricity for hours. Gusty winds also caused tree branches to fall in a few places, though no major injuries were reported.
In Bantwal taluk, a mild drizzle during the evening intensified into heavy rain and thunderstorms by night. Strong winds lashed multiple areas, including BC Road, resulting in power failures and disruptions to traffic movement. Residents said the weather changed abruptly after a humid day, catching many people unprepared.
Meanwhile, Kasargod district in neighbouring Kerala also received moderate rainfall on Tuesday evening. Rain was reported in Kasargod city and Manjeshwar for a brief duration, bringing respite from the heat prevailing in the region over the past few weeks.
Moodbidri reports property damage
Moodbidri taluk was among the worst-affected areas due to the combined impact of rain and strong winds. Several incidents of property damage were reported on Tuesday evening as powerful gusts uprooted trees and damaged rooftops.
The roof tiles of the Thakode post office were blown away during the storm, causing rainwater to enter the building premises. Fortunately, a major disaster was avoided as the office remained closed for a half-day holiday, helping protect important documents and records from extensive damage.
In Maroor village, two houses suffered damage due to the severe weather conditions. The roof of a house belonging to Vanitha was completely blown away by the strong winds. In another incident, an uprooted tree fell on the house of Shashikala, partially damaging the structure.
Revenue department officials visited the affected areas soon after the incidents to inspect the damage and assess the losses suffered by the families. Local residents have urged authorities to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the sudden weather-related incidents.
Lightning strikes houses in Karkala taluk
Karkala taluk also witnessed intense thunderstorms and strong winds over the past two days. Late on Monday night, lightning struck two houses in separate villages, causing significant financial losses to the property owners.
A house belonging to Rohini Sundar Poojary in Edu village suffered damages estimated at around Rs 35,000 after being struck by lightning. In another incident, the house of Jaya Salian in Mundkur village incurred losses of approximately Rs 50,000 due to lightning-related damage.
On Tuesday, intermittent moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms was reported in Mala, Mundkur, Hiriyangadi, Bailur, Hosamaru, Edu, Kervashe, and parts of Muniyal in Hebri taluk. Following an overcast afternoon, rainfall of varying intensity continued through the evening hours.
The changing weather conditions also resulted in electricity disruptions in several pockets across the region. According to available data, the area recorded 3.7 mm rainfall during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday.
IMD forecasts more rain across coastal belt
Weather officials have indicated that thunderstorm activity is likely to continue across coastal Karnataka over the coming days. The IMD forecast predicts rain, lightning, and gusty winds in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts for at least the next three days.
The unseasonal showers have brought temporary relief from scorching temperatures but have also highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure during sudden weather events. Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been advised to stay alert and avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles during thunderstorms.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as weather fluctuations continue across the coastal belt. Disaster management teams and local officials remain on standby to respond to emergencies arising from heavy rain, strong winds, or lightning strikes.