Mangaluru/Udupi: Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds battered Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts over the weekend, resulting in damage to houses, uprooted trees, power disruptions and severe waterlogging in several low-lying areas. The intense weather conditions caused widespread inconvenience to residents and exposed persistent infrastructure issues in many parts of the coastal region.

Continuous rain was reported across Dakshina Kannada from Sunday morning until the afternoon before gradually easing. The district administration recorded partial damage to three houses due to the heavy downpour, while strong winds uprooted tree branches in multiple locations.

In Mangaluru city, waterlogging was reported in several low-lying areas, including the Padil underpass and Jeppinamogaru. The accumulation of rainwater disrupted the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, creating difficulties for daily commuters. In the Sultan Battery area, a large tree branch fell across a road, temporarily bringing traffic to a standstill until it was cleared.

Rainfall figures highlight intensity of downpour

Between Saturday and Sunday morning, Dakshina Kannada recorded an average rainfall of 14.8 mm. Mangaluru received the highest rainfall in the district at 18.6 mm, followed by Puttur with 14.9 mm and Sullia with 12.6 mm.

Other taluks also recorded substantial rainfall during the period. Moodbidri received 11.5 mm, Beltangady 10.6 mm, Bantwal 9.3 mm and Kadaba 8.1 mm, reflecting the widespread nature of the monsoon activity across the district.

The rainfall, combined with strong winds, affected power supply in several localities after tree branches fell on electricity lines. Residents in some areas experienced temporary outages as restoration work was undertaken by concerned authorities.

Udupi records heavier rainfall

Neighbouring Udupi district witnessed even heavier rainfall along with thunderstorms from Saturday night until Sunday evening. During the 24-hour period, the district recorded an average rainfall of 32.9 mm.

Kaup received the highest rainfall at 57.8 mm, followed by Udupi at 53.2 mm. Other areas that recorded significant rainfall included Byndoor with 38.9 mm, Brahmavar with 36.6 mm, Kundapur with 36.1 mm, Hebri with 18.6 mm and Karkala with 14.3 mm.

The intense rainfall was accompanied by strong winds, particularly in Kundapur and Byndoor taluks, where several trees were uprooted and fell onto residential properties.

Houses damaged by falling trees

Multiple incidents of property damage were reported after trees crashed onto houses during the strong winds. In Basrur village, houses belonging to Sundara Kharvi and Surendra Kini suffered damages estimated at ₹25,000 each.

In Koni village, a tree fall caused damage worth approximately ₹30,000 to the house of Sumana. Similar incidents were reported elsewhere, including damage estimated at ₹30,000 to the house of Seethu on JM Road in Basrur.

Authorities also recorded losses of around ₹40,000 to the property of Abdul Samad and ₹80,000 to the house of Jayalakshmi following tree-fall incidents. While no casualties were reported, residents faced considerable losses due to the adverse weather conditions.

Waterlogging exposes civic infrastructure issues

The heavy rainfall once again highlighted drainage and infrastructure deficiencies across several parts of Udupi district. Residents reported that uncleared drains led to artificial flooding on national highways, state highways, major district roads and rural routes.

Instead of draining away efficiently, rainwater accumulated on road surfaces, causing traffic disruptions and splashing onto passing vehicles. Several mud roads turned slushy, making travel difficult for motorists and pedestrians alike.

Severe waterlogging was reported near the Tallur bus stand on the Kundapur-Byndoor highway, where traffic movement was significantly affected. Similar flooding was observed on the service road near Surgeon Hospital, on the highway near Ankadakatte School and around the TT Road underpass and adjoining service roads.

Local residents have urged authorities to immediately clear blocked drains and implement permanent measures to address recurring waterlogging problems during the monsoon season. Many have expressed concern that repeated flooding not only disrupts daily life but also poses safety risks to commuters.

Authorities monitor monsoon situation

With the southwest monsoon continuing to remain active across coastal Karnataka, authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions and potential risks. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain cautious, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Officials have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions and to report incidents involving fallen trees, waterlogging and infrastructure damage to the relevant authorities.

The latest spell of rain has brought relief from rising temperatures but has also underlined the challenges posed by inadequate drainage systems and weather-related hazards. As monsoon activity continues, civic agencies face increasing pressure to strengthen preparedness and minimise disruptions to public life.