Sudden Heavy Rains Batter Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Districts, Highway Flooded
Unexpected downpour brings relief from humidity but causes waterlogging and traffic disruptions across coastal Karnataka
Mangaluru/Udupi, December 4: Coastal Karnataka witnessed an unexpected spell of intense rainfall on Tuesday evening, December 3, bringing much-needed respite from the humid conditions but also causing significant disruptions across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
The sudden downpour, which began around 5 pm, was accompanied by thunder, lightning, and strong winds that swept through multiple towns and villages in the region.
Weather System Behind the Rainfall
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) explained that the rainfall was triggered by a low-pressure system that developed over the southwest Bay of Bengal near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast on December 3. This weather system has been moving northwest and is predicted to weaken within the next 24 hours. However, the IMD has issued a rain alert for December 4, warning that more showers are expected across coastal Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada Bears the Brunt
In Dakshina Kannada district, the rain started in the late afternoon and affected numerous areas including Bantwal, Beltangady, Mangaluru, Puttur, Uppinangady, Kadaba, Sullia, Subrahmanya, and Vittal. The showers were particularly intense in Sullia taluk, where residents experienced heavy rain combined with powerful winds.
A dramatic incident occurred at the Sullia taluk office when lightning struck an Acacia tree located behind the building. The tree was split by the strike, causing alarm among office staff. One employee reportedly felt unwell due to the shock but recovered shortly after. A small fire was also observed at the site following the lightning strike.
Highway Flooding Disrupts Traffic
The most significant disruption occurred on the Mani-Mysuru highway near Jalsoor, where heavy rainfall led to severe waterlogging. Clogged drainage systems caused water to overflow onto the road, creating a stream-like flow that brought traffic to a standstill. The flooded stretch posed challenges for commuters trying to navigate through the area.
Other parts of Sullia taluk, including Sampaje, Aranthodu, Mandekolu, Bellare, Nintikallu, Panja, Guthigar, and Kollamogru, also received continuous rainfall throughout the evening.
Udupi District Also Affected
Udupi district, which had remained dry throughout the day, suddenly experienced rainfall in the evening that lasted nearly an hour. The showers affected Udupi city along with Manipal, Malpe, Katapady, Kapu, Karkala, Hebri, Brahmavar, Kundapur, and Siddapura.
Karkala town and its surrounding villages faced a sharp spell of rain during the afternoon hours. The intensity of the downpour led to temporary power outages in both urban and rural areas as a precautionary measure.
In Siddapura, the evening rain caused problems for farmers who had kept dried arecanut stored outside. The unexpected showers dampened the produce, creating additional work and potential losses for the agricultural community.
More Rain Expected
According to the weather department’s forecast, widespread rainfall is likely to continue across coastal Karnataka on Thursday. Residents have been advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
The sudden change in weather has provided relief from the oppressive humidity that had been affecting the region, though the disruptions caused by waterlogging and power cuts have created temporary inconveniences for local communities.
