24 July 2023, Mumbai: The active southwest monsoon has caused a flood scare in Karnataka, with several small streams overflowing due to the continuous downpour. As a precautionary measure, authorities have declared a holiday for schools and colleges in nine districts, including Belagavi, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, and others. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the coastal districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada, indicating the possibility of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours. Additionally, orange and yellow alerts have been issued for various other districts across the region.
Tourist Swept Away in Udupi Waterfall; Authorities Conduct Search Operations
Amidst the heavy rains, many rivers and rivulets are in spate, leading to the resurgence of waterfalls that attract tourists. However, this increased flow of water also poses risks, as demonstrated by an incident where a 23-year-old youth was swept away at a waterfall in Udupi district while attempting to film an Instagram video. Authorities are conducting search operations to trace the missing individual.
Rising Water Levels Pose Threat to Residents and Farmers in Coastal Districts
As the rains persist, water levels in rivers such as Nethravati, Phalguni, and other rivulets in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts continue to rise, causing flooding in low-lying areas. The situation has led to concerns for people living near river banks, with some families already relocated to safer places. The excessive rainfall has also submerged a significant portion of areca nut plantations, adding to the worries of farmers in the affected areas.
Monsoon Impact on Religious Sites; Kukke Subrahmanya Temple Ghat Submerged
The impact of the monsoon is evident in the religious sites as well, with the bathing ghat of Kukke Subrahmanya temple being submerged due to the rising water levels in the Kumaradhara river. Devotees have been advised to avoid visiting the shrine until the rain subsides to ensure their safety. Additionally, the Manjeshwar-Subrahmanya state highway has been flooded, disrupting vehicular movement along the route.
Flooding Disrupts Transportation; High-Tension Tower Endangered
Apart from the concerns over flooding and disruptions in transportation, there is also the threat of a landslide in Udupi district that may affect a high-tension electricity tower carrying a 110 KV KPTCL overhead line. Officials have taken necessary precautions to mitigate the risk, activating an older line and working on installations to ensure power supply remains stable in the affected areas.
The ongoing southwest monsoon continues to impact various regions of Karnataka, bringing both challenges and attractions. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of the people and infrastructure.