Torrential rains lash Dakshina Kannada, rivers swell; landslides disrupt traffic
Torrential monsoon rains and strong winds battered Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district overnight, triggering landslides, flash floods and waterlogging, while several rivers rose to dangerous levels, officials said on Sunday.
The district administration placed emergency response teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), on high alert as heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats catchment areas caused water levels to rise rapidly.
The Netravathi, Kumaradhara, Mrutyunjaya, Phalguni (Gurupura) and Somavathi rivers were flowing near or above danger levels, raising concerns for riverside settlements and agricultural areas. Authorities were monitoring downstream communities and issuing alerts.
Landslides and flash floods disrupted connectivity at several locations. In Belthangady taluk, a landslide blocked the Mundaje-Dharmasthala route, while flash currents caused a retaining wall to collapse at Neriya, inundating nearby residential areas.
Overflowing tributaries at Putrabailu and Laila also disrupted the Belthangady-Killuru road link.
Low-lying arecanut plantations, agricultural fields and houses in Mundaje and Ujire were inundated.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has set up 24-hour control rooms at taluk headquarters to coordinate rescue and relief operations.
Authorities advised residents, tourists and pilgrims to stay away from riverbanks, waterlogged roads and beaches. Fishermen were also asked to remain ashore due to strong winds and high waves.
Heavy earth-moving machinery was deployed along key national highway routes, including Charmadi, Shiradi and Sampaje Ghat, to clear landslide debris and keep essential traffic moving.
Local administrations and disaster response teams continued to monitor rainfall and river levels, with further advisories expected as the situation develops.
