Red Alert declared for Udupi district

Anirudh Bhat

21st September 2020

Many parts of Udupi remain flooded. (Source: New Indian Express)

Heavy downpour over the last few days caused a lot of damage to the districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and, Kodagu, leading to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) declaring red alert in these districts. The heavy rains led to severe flooding in Udupi— the worst in the last forty years. According to a report by Vijay Karnataka, more than 300 homes have been flooded, and one death was reported in Dakshina Kannada.

A report by The Times of India, mentions that the Udupi district received 45cms of rainfall for 24 hours continuously and more than 700 families were evacuated. The famous Udupi Krishna Mata Temple was flooded and the Indrani rivulet in Kalasanka overflowed entering the Udupi-Manipal highway. Three fishing boats in Malpe were also capsized due to the strong and heavy winds.

The district remained on red alert till September 22. A report by The Hindu stated that the destruction of property is estimated to be around Rs 100 crores. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arrived at Udupi from Mangalore and conducted multiple rescue operations on relief boats. 

The IMD also issued a red alert in Dakshina Kannada. People have been warned against getting into rivers and have been advised to stay away from beaches. Rainwater also flooded the national highway in the Padubidri area. Water from the Shambavi river— near Mulki— in Dakshina Kannada entered the premises of Bappanadu Durgaparameshwari Temple for the second time this month. There was also a landslide reported on Adyapadi Road, near Mangalore International Airport, located on the outskirts of Mangalore. 

Different parts of the Kodagu district continue to reel under this flood-like situation due to incessant rainfall and the livelihoods of many farmers were also affected due to the torrential rains. The water level of the Cauvery River steadily rose as the rainfall continued in Bhagamandala and its surrounding areas, along with the Krishna River which has currently risen above the danger mark. According to a report by Deccan Herald, around 105 cm of rainfall was recorded in the Kodagu district. No casualties have been reported in the Kodagu district.

All the taluks of Malnad and coastal districts, which have also recorded heavy rainfall in August for the third year in a row, have been declared flood-hit. The torrential downpour has triggered flooding and landslides in parts of the Western Ghats which have resulted in widespread damages.

Karnataka government on Thursday declared 130 taluks in 23 districts as flood-hit zones. According to an order by the Revenue Department (Disaster Management), due to very heavy rainfall and floods in the month of August, loss of life, crop loss in large tracts of land, damage to basic facilities, and other losses were reported.

According to a report by The Times of India, Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa spoke to the State Chief Secretary on September 20 and took stock of the flood situation in the state. He instructed that the Chief Secretary proceed with emergency measures without waiting for his approval.

Sources: The Hindu, Times of India, New Indian Express, Vijay Kannada, Deccan Herald

Edited by Mridula Kumar