Dakshina Kannada Floods: Rising Phalguni River Causes Widespread Destruction
Mangaluru: Heavy rains in the catchment area of the Phalguni River on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning led to a sudden rise in water levels, resulting in severe flooding in Venoor, Hosangady, and several downstream areas in Dakshina Kannada district.
A 58-year-old woman Gopi died after the house collapsed in Moodabidri on Wednesday night.
The water level in the Phalguni River rose significantly on Thursday, resulting in unusual flooding in downstream areas such as Moodbidri, Adyapady, Ulaibettu, and Kuloor. Homes, plantations, and properties were flooded.
Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan visited the rain-affected and flood-hit areas on Thursday, directing officials to take immediate action.
"The Phalguni River catchment areas received heavy rainfall from last night and early this morning, with Venur recording 459 mm of rain. This has led to widespread flooding in several places," the Deputy Commissioner informed the media.
In addition to flooding, small vented bridges and pipe culverts have collapsed in several locations, and there have been reports of mudslides. "Only one location has been completely cut off, but alternative routes are available in other places. I have visited Belthangady, Venur, and some places in Mangaluru. Immediate measures have been taken, but long-term solutions need to be considered," Mullai Muhilan said.
Thirty people have been relocated to a relief camp in Kuloor, and another 36 people are currently housed in a camp in Subrahmanya of Kadaba Taluk. The DC has instructed officials to be prepared for further evacuations if necessary.
"In all the flood-affected areas, our revenue officials, along with the police and fire departments, have done commendable work. I have asked all officials to remain vigilant. At this point, there is no cause for alarm," the Deputy Commissioner added.
District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao is scheduled to visit the flood and rain-hit areas on Friday to assess the situation.
