Beltangady: A 73-year-old man stranded in the middle of the Kapila river at Badigudde in Shishila was rescued by members of the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Shaurya Disaster Management Team on Tuesday after the river swelled due to heavy rainfall. The timely intervention by the rescue team prevented a potential tragedy as water levels rose rapidly following continuous rain in the region.
Heavy showers also continued across Beltangady taluk on Wednesday, resulting in a sharp rise in the water level of the Netravati river and waterlogging on roads in Ujire, where residents blamed incomplete drainage works and blocked drains for the flooding.
Local youths alert rescue team
The rescued man has been identified as Balappa (73).
According to reports, Balappa became trapped in the middle of the Kapila river after the water flow increased significantly due to incessant rainfall.
Some local youths noticed the elderly man stranded in the river and immediately informed the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Shaurya Disaster Management Team, enabling rescuers to respond without delay.
Rescue carried out using ropes and life jacket
Following the alert, team members Radhakrishna Guttu and Ramesh Bairakatta, along with local expert swimmer Mohana Gowda Badrijalu, rushed to the spot.
The rescue team found Balappa trapped between two branches of the Kapila river, about 900 metres downstream from the Shishileshwara Temple vented dam.
Rescuers first secured the elderly man with a life jacket before using ropes to safely guide him back to the riverbank.
The operation was completed successfully without any injuries.
Local volunteers Umesh Kukke, Rupesh Baipadi and Dinesh Badigudde also assisted the disaster management team during the rescue.
Heavy rain raises Netravati river level
Meanwhile, Beltangady taluk continued to receive heavy rainfall on Wednesday, causing the Netravati river to swell.
The rising water level has prompted residents to remain cautious, particularly in low-lying areas and near riverbanks, as the monsoon continues to intensify across the region.
Waterlogging disrupts traffic in Ujire
In Ujire, rainwater mixed with overflowing drains inundated stretches of the national highway, creating difficulties for motorists and pedestrians.
Residents said the drainage work along the highway remains incomplete, contributing to repeated flooding during heavy rain.
According to locals, plastic waste and accumulated debris have blocked several drains, preventing rainwater from flowing freely and causing water to spill onto the road.
The waterlogging disrupted traffic movement and inconvenienced commuters travelling through the busy town.
Residents seek immediate action
Local residents have urged the authorities to clear blocked drains and complete the pending drainage works at the earliest to prevent further flooding.
They said regular maintenance of stormwater drains and removal of plastic waste would help improve water flow and reduce the risk of waterlogging during the ongoing monsoon season.
With forecasts indicating continued rainfall over the coming days, residents have appealed to civic authorities to take preventive measures to minimise disruption and ensure public safety.