Udupi: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds over the past two days has caused widespread destruction in several parts of Karkala taluk, damaging horticulture crops, houses and property across multiple villages. Preliminary reports indicate that losses linked to horticulture damage alone have crossed ₹5 lakh in more than 10 reported cases.

Bola village in Karkala taluk emerged as the worst-affected area following the intense pre-monsoon rain and wind activity that lashed the region over Friday and Saturday.

According to local reports and preliminary assessments, plantations, houses and electric infrastructure suffered varying levels of damage due to strong winds, lightning and heavy rain.

Bola village suffers extensive crop damage

Among the worst-hit farmers was Jayaram Salian of Bola village, whose plantation reportedly suffered extensive destruction during the storm. Officials and local residents estimate his losses at more than ₹1 lakh.

The plantations belonging to Ronald and Roshan Tellis in Bola village were also severely affected, with strong winds uprooting several trees, plants and vines. The losses incurred by both farmers are estimated to exceed ₹50,000 each.

Several other farmers and landowners in Bola village also suffered substantial horticulture losses due to damaged crops and fallen trees.

Somnath, Krishna Shetty, Ratna Moolya and George Alphonse are each estimated to have incurred losses of around ₹40,000.

Meanwhile, Narayana Moolya, Gutthu Santosh and Narayana Shetty from Mudradi village reportedly suffered damages estimated at nearly ₹20,000 each.

Residents said strong winds uprooted arecanut, coconut and other horticulture crops in several parts of the taluk, affecting livelihoods of farmers dependent on plantation income.

Lightning strikes damage houses

Apart from crop losses, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning also caused major damage to residential properties in Karkala taluk.

The houses belonging to Chandrashekar Acharya of Kalya village and Dinesh of Kukkundoor village were struck by lightning during rain and thunder activity reported on Friday and Saturday.

Local residents stated that both houses suffered significant structural damage due to the lightning strikes, though no injuries were reported in either incident.

Officials said further assessment would determine the exact extent of losses and eligibility for compensation under disaster relief provisions.

More than 20 houses partially damaged

Strong winds and rain also caused partial damage to more than 20 houses in areas including Nandalike, Mundkur, Bola, Kukkundoor and Belman in Karkala taluk.

Bola village alone witnessed extensive destruction, with roofing sheets, tiles and compound structures damaged in several homes.

Among those whose houses reportedly suffered damage were Shambhavi Shetty, Geetha Shetty, Gutthu Santosh Shetty, Ratna Moolya, Sanjeeva Shetty, Sundari Shetty, Sunitha Shetty, Prema S. Shetty, Yogendra Poojary, Pushpa Poojary, Narayana Poojary, Sunanda Poojary, Ananda Salian, Mohan Poojary and Narayana Moolya.

Preliminary estimates suggest that total losses to houses in the affected regions have exceeded ₹2 lakh.

Residents in the affected villages said the sudden gusty winds and heavy rain created panic, with several families forced to move to safer portions of their homes during the storm.

Rainfall below expectations despite damage

Despite the widespread destruction caused by the pre-monsoon showers, rainfall recorded across Udupi district remained comparatively low compared to seasonal expectations.

According to official rainfall data available till Sunday morning, the district recorded an average rainfall of 2.4 mm during the previous 24-hour period.

Karkala received the highest rainfall in the district at 8.4 mm, followed by Kapu with 2.9 mm. Brahmavar recorded 1.7 mm rainfall, while Udupi city received 1.2 mm during the same period.

Weather experts said isolated but intense thunderstorm activity combined with strong winds can often result in severe localised damage even when overall rainfall levels remain moderate.

Officials continue assessment

Revenue and horticulture department officials are continuing field inspections in affected villages to assess the full extent of crop and property losses.

Authorities are expected to prepare detailed reports regarding horticulture damage, house destruction and possible compensation measures for affected families and farmers.

Residents have urged the administration to expedite compensation procedures, particularly for small farmers who suffered heavy plantation losses during the storm.

With pre-monsoon weather activity expected to continue in coastal Karnataka over the coming days, authorities have advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms and strong wind conditions.