Travel outside Dakshina Kannada district at night has become perilous due to torrential rains and landslides affecting the three major Ghats: Shiradi, Charmadi, and Sampaje. Recent heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats has severely impacted connectivity, leaving the coast with limited access to other regions.
The Shiradi Ghat route to Bengaluru has been particularly hazardous following a significant landslide at Doddataple in Sakleshpur. Vehicles caught in the landslide have blocked the road, which is now closed until further notice. Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP has advised against traveling via Shiradi Ghat until the blockage is cleared.
Similarly, Charmadi Ghat was cut off for four hours due to a fallen tree near the 11th hairpin bend, and traffic on NH 275 towards Mysuru was disrupted for three hours after a landslide brought down trees and electric poles near Shekamale, Kumbra in Puttur taluk.
The Nethravathi River is also causing concern, with water levels surpassing danger levels at Bantwal and Uppinangady due to recent rainfall. Dakshina Kannada recorded 111mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, significantly above the normal average, leading to widespread flooding and damage.
Udupi district has similarly faced rainfall-related issues, with 21 houses damaged due to tree falls and rain, especially in Karkala taluk.
Travelers are advised to avoid these routes and stay updated on local conditions to ensure safety.