With continuous heavy rainfall since Monday, the Badriya Juma Masjid in Kokkada, Dakshina Kannada, has opened its doors round the clock to serve the community. Hyder MS, the president of the masjid, emphasized their commitment to helping those in need, recalling how the mosque provided assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic as well.
The rising water level of the Nethravathi River, which was a meter above its danger level of 8.6 meters on Tuesday, poses a significant threat to residents along its banks. At Uppinangady, the river level was 0.6 meters above the danger threshold of 29 meters. “The Nethravathi River and its tributaries are in spate due to the water inflow from the Western Ghats,” Hyder explained. “Several streams passing through Dharmasthala, Nidle, Patrame, Shishila, and Arasinamakki join the Kumaradhara river and Netravati in Uppinangady. We decided to provide shelter for people in low-lying areas near the riverbanks.”
The masjid, capable of accommodating about 100 people, also houses a madrasa and is prepared to set up tents if needed. A message was circulated on WhatsApp since Monday to inform the community. “We have always believed in communal harmony. When the masjid was renovated about three years ago, people from all faiths participated. Likewise, people from across Belthangady taluk are welcome to utilize this facility,” Hyder added.