Mangaluru/Udupi: The monsoon has intensified once again along Karnataka’s coast, with heavy rains battering Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts throughout Tuesday. As a precaution, holidays were declared in parts of Kadaba, Ullal, and Bantwal taluks following reports of minor damage.
In Badagabellur (Bantwal taluk), a tree fell on a house, causing damage, while light structural damage was reported in Panemangalore, Biliyur, and Arala. Near Veerakamba, a fallen tree briefly blocked the road, halting traffic.
Mangaluru city faced persistent downpours, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas and traffic congestion in several zones. Similar conditions were reported across Kadaba, Beltangady, Dharmasthala, Ujire, Madanthyar, Uppinangady, Puttur, Sullia, Subrahmanya, Panja, Kollamogru, Surathkal, Moodbidri, Bajpe, Kateel, Vittal, Bantwal, Kanyana, and Peruvai.
So far, six houses have been partially damaged, while 20 electricity poles and one transformer have been impacted. Emergency response teams have been deployed: 15 SDRF/Civil Defence personnel in Mangaluru, 10 in Subrahmanya, and a 25-member NDRF unit in Puttur. 26 rescue boats are on standby.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for July 16, warning of heavy rainfall and winds up to 50 kmph. Alerts are also active for July 17 and 18.
In Udupi, continuous rain since morning led to swelling rivers and streams. Rainfall briefly eased in the afternoon but resumed in the evening. Areas like Byndoor, Kundapur, Karkala, Hebri, Padubidri, Kaup, Katapady, Malpe, Brahmavar, and Kota also recorded intense showers.
Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea until July 18 due to rough conditions in the Arabian Sea.