Mangaluru/Udupi: Several parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts witnessed thunder, lightning and gusty winds accompanied by rain on Monday evening, leading to damage to houses, crops and electricity infrastructure in multiple areas across the coastal belt.
Cloudy conditions prevailed across Dakshina Kannada district from early Monday morning, with rainfall intensifying in several places later in the day. Moderate rain accompanied by thunder was reported from Sullia town during the evening hours, while light showers occurred in Puttur and nearby regions.
The sudden weather change brought temporary relief from heat but also caused disruption to normal life in several villages due to strong winds and falling trees.
According to the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely to continue at isolated places in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on Tuesday as well.
Weather officials stated that Mangaluru recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius on Monday, which was 0.5 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature stood at 25.9 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees above normal for the season.
Strong winds lash Kadaba taluk
Kadaba taluk witnessed heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds for nearly an hour on Monday evening, causing minor damage in several villages.
Tree branches reportedly fell on electricity lines in rural areas, disrupting power supply till late into the night. Electricity department personnel were engaged in restoration work in affected locations.
Farmers in parts of Kadaba also reported damage to coconut, arecanut and banana plantations due to strong winds. Fallen trees and broken branches affected agricultural lands in some pockets, though a complete assessment of crop loss was still underway.
At Kutrappady village, roof tiles of the Shri Panchamukhi Anjaneya shrine situated within the premises of Kepa Shri Lakshmi Janardhana Temple were blown away during the rain and wind spell. Local residents said the shrine structure suffered partial roof damage because of the intensity of the gusts.
Residents in several villages expressed concern over recurring weather-related damage during pre-monsoon showers, especially to electric infrastructure and horticulture crops.
Houses damaged in Moodbidri region
Heavy rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds also lashed Moodbidri and surrounding areas on Monday evening, damaging multiple houses.
In the Mariyadi area of Marpady village, roofs of several houses suffered extensive damage due to strong winds.
The houses belonging to local residents Azeez and Ganesh reportedly sustained major roof damage during the storm. Cement sheets of Dinesh’s house were blown away, exposing portions of the structure to rainwater.
In another incident, roof tiles of Chandrashekar Acharya’s residence were shattered by the impact of heavy winds. The tiled and cement-sheet roofing of Amita Shetty’s house also suffered damage.
In Biravu area of Hosabettu village, a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on the house of Leela Raju, partially damaging the roof and a section of the wall.
Local residents and officials visited the affected areas to assess the extent of losses. Though no injuries were reported, residents described moments of panic as strong winds swept through the villages.
Widespread losses reported in Udupi district
Meanwhile, several parts of Udupi district, especially Karkala and Hebri taluks, witnessed widespread damage due to strong winds and rain that lashed the region on Sunday.
According to preliminary estimates released by the Revenue Department, horticulture crop losses amounting to around ₹3.10 lakh were reported from affected regions. Damage to houses was estimated at nearly ₹2 lakh.
Farmers in Mudradi village of Hebri taluk and Bola region in Karkala taluk suffered significant losses to horticulture crops because of heavy winds and rainfall.
Lightning strikes also caused partial damage to houses belonging to Chandrashekar Acharya of Kalya and Dinesh Bin Kinnige of Kukkundoor.
In addition, falling trees damaged houses in Kukkundoor, Nandalike, Mundoor, Belman and Bola regions of Karkala taluk.
Officials said local revenue teams were continuing field inspections to document losses and prepare reports for compensation procedures wherever applicable.
Rainfall recorded across the district
Rainfall data released for the last 24 hours showed varying levels of precipitation across Udupi district.
Karkala recorded the highest rainfall at 8.4 mm, followed by Kaup with 2.9 mm. Brahmavar received 1.7 mm rainfall, while Udupi recorded 1.2 mm and Hebri 1.0 mm during the same period.
Weather experts indicated that unstable atmospheric conditions over coastal Karnataka could continue to trigger isolated rain and thunder activity over the next few days.
Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious during thunderstorms and strong winds, especially in regions prone to falling trees and power disruptions.
With pre-monsoon activity intensifying across coastal Karnataka, residents are now hoping that precautionary measures by local authorities will help minimise damage during the coming weeks.