How are Heavy Rains Disrupting Life in Northern and Coastal Karnataka?

Synopsis
Heavy rains are wreaking havoc across northern and coastal Karnataka, with severe flooding affecting lives and infrastructure. Authorities are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact. Discover the extent of the damage, tragic incidents including a missing person, and the government's response to this unprecedented weather event.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rains have disrupted life across northern and coastal Karnataka.
- Bridges and homes are submerged due to rising water levels.
- A search operation is underway for a missing man in Hubballi.
- Schools have been closed as a precautionary measure.
- Authorities have issued a red alert and are taking necessary precautions.
Bengaluru, June 12 (NationPress) Intense rainfall has severely impacted daily life across northern and coastal Karnataka on Thursday, with rivers overflowing and causing submersion of multiple bridges, disrupting transportation and inundating numerous homes.
The affected areas include Mangaluru, Udupi, Dharwad, Karwar, Bagalkot, Gadag, and Chikkamagaluru districts. A persistent cloudy atmosphere has enveloped Bengaluru since morning.
In a tragic incident, reports have emerged from Hubballi of a man swept away by rainwater in a gutter. The individual, identified as Hussain, reportedly lost his footing and fell into the gutter. Search efforts are currently underway.
The Karwar district administration has declared a holiday for government-operated kindergarten anganwadis, as well as primary and secondary schools.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the district, prompting local authorities to implement precautionary measures.
Continuous rainfall has led to significant waterlogging, with many residences affected. The district hospital in Karwar city was also submerged, forcing inpatients to endure a night in wards filled with foul-smelling water. Patients were relocated to safer areas in the morning as water levels decreased. The RTC bus depot in Karwar was similarly affected, halting bus services.
At least four bridges in the Gadag district have been submerged, while numerous villages in Dharwad district are experiencing severe waterlogging. The Bennihalla River is overflowing, raising concerns among authorities, as it impacts 56 villages across six taluks in Dharwad, Gadag, and Haveri districts.
Chikkamagaluru district is also experiencing heavy rainfall, significantly disrupting normal life. Authorities report extensive agricultural land inundation, leaving farmers anxious about potential losses to their jowar and sugarcane crops.
Recently, Bengaluru faced similar disruptions due to heavy rainfall. Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on May 30 that for the first time in 125 years, the state recorded unprecedented rainfall in May, with 28 districts exceeding normal averages.
"There are sufficient funds allocated for relief from rain-related damages. Under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), more than Rs 1,000 crore is available across various districts. Guidelines are in place for providing relief for damages to homes caused by heavy rains. Immediate relief efforts are crucial, and measures must be taken to prevent casualties due to landslides, including evacuating residents from high-risk areas," he remarked.