Beltangady: Torrential rain lashed Beltangady taluk from the early hours of Friday, causing widespread flooding, overflowing rivers, a landslide and severe disruption to road connectivity across several villages. With the southwest monsoon remaining active, authorities continued to monitor the situation as residents living in low-lying and riverbank areas remained on high alert.
Rivers flow bank-full after incessant rain
As forecast, heavy rain continued throughout Friday morning, leading to a sharp rise in water levels across the taluk.
The Netravathi River at Dharmasthala and several other rivers flowing through Beltangady reached bank-full levels following continuous rainfall. The swelling rivers heightened fears of flooding among residents living along the riverbanks, with many closely monitoring the water levels as the rain showed little sign of easing.
Authorities advised people in vulnerable locations to remain vigilant and avoid venturing near swollen rivers and streams.
Strong winds add to residents’ concerns
Apart from heavy rainfall, strong winds swept across parts of the taluk, increasing the risk of rain-related damage.
Residents living near forest-fringe areas expressed concern over the possibility of large trees being uprooted or falling onto houses, roads and power lines. The combined impact of heavy rain and gusty winds kept emergency personnel on alert throughout the day.
Floodwaters disrupt road connectivity
Continuous rainfall caused rivers, streams and check dams to overflow, resulting in widespread disruption to transport.
Floodwaters submerged a stretch of the Beltangady–Killoor Road near Puthrabailu, affecting vehicular movement and causing inconvenience to commuters.
Most low-level check dams across the taluk were overtopped, cutting off road connectivity at several places and making travel difficult for residents.
Overflowing streams and roadside drains also inundated portions of main roads in different villages, slowing traffic and creating hazardous driving conditions.
Property damaged in Neriya
The heavy rain also caused structural damage in Neriya.
The retaining wall of the Sion Ashram collapsed due to the impact of incessant rainfall, resulting in property damage. No casualties were reported in the incident.
Officials are expected to assess the extent of the damage and recommend necessary restoration work after the weather improves.
Shops and farmland inundated
Overflowing drains caused rainwater to enter commercial establishments in Navooru Pete, leaving traders to deal with waterlogged shops and damaged goods.
The Mundaje region emerged as one of the worst-hit areas in the taluk, where exceptionally heavy rainfall caused rivers and streams to overflow into paddy fields and plantations.
Floodwaters entered several houses, while vast stretches of agricultural land remained submerged. Farmers expressed concern over possible crop losses and the financial impact if the rainfall continues over the coming days.
Landslide blocks road
Heavy rain also triggered a landslide on the Mundaje–Dharmasthala Road, forcing authorities to suspend traffic along the route until it is declared safe.
Meanwhile, rainwater flowed across sections of the Ujire–Dharmasthala National Highway, turning parts of the carriageway into a stream and posing a serious risk to motorists.
Authorities urged commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and follow traffic advisories until water levels recede.
Authorities monitor situation
Reports of rain-related damage continued to emerge from different parts of Beltangady taluk as officials assessed the impact of the ongoing downpour.
With more rainfall forecast, residents have been advised to remain cautious, especially those living near rivers, low-lying areas and landslide-prone regions. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels and weather conditions and are prepared to initiate emergency measures if the situation worsens.