Uttara Kannada: Uttara Kannada district is grappling with the relentless downpour of the monsoon season, resulting in two tragic rain-related deaths and widespread disruption. Coastal Karnataka continues to be under red and orange alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The first tragedy struck in Bhatkal town, where a two-year-old child tragically died after accidentally falling into a roadside drain in the Jali area on Saturday. CCTV footage captured the heart-wrenching moment the child slipped into the overflowing drain.
In a separate incident, 50-year-old Madewa Narayana Devadiga drowned in Gulme Belalkhanda, Bhatkal taluk, after being swept away by surging floodwaters. He was reportedly walking home when he lost his footing amidst the rising currents. Police have registered cases at the Bhatkal Rural Police Station for both incidents.
Beyond the loss of life, the torrential rainfall has triggered a series of landslides across Uttara Kannada, severely impacting road connectivity and raising alarm about the stability of hillsides impacted by infrastructure projects.
A major landslide occurred at Devimane Ghat along the Shirsi–Kumta highway late Friday night and again on Saturday, halting traffic for light vehicles. Officials reported landslides at four separate locations on the stretch, forcing a temporary closure.
Other landslides were reported near Raghavendra Math in Habbuwada and along National Highway-66 near Binaga and Baithkol. Fortunately, these landslides resulted in no casualties. However, waterlogging has plagued low-lying areas, flooding homes and businesses in parts of Karwar after three days of continuous rain.
Local civic rights activists are voicing serious concerns about what they describe as unsustainable hill-cutting practices for road construction. They believe that the aggressive excavation of slopes without proper support measures has significantly increased the region’s susceptibility to monsoon-related landslides.
“There is an urgent need to restore damaged slopes and increase vegetation cover in landslide-prone zones. The forest department must also step in to ensure ecological stability,” urged concerned residents.
These incidents unfold as the India Meteorological Department maintains red and orange alerts for numerous coastal and Malnad districts of Karnataka, indicating the continued threat of heavy rainfall and potential for further disruptions.
