Heavy rains trigger landslides, flooding in Dakshina Kannada

Mangaluru (Karnataka): Torrential monsoon rains and strong winds battered the Dakshina Kannada district in the coastal Karnataka region overnight, triggering landslides, inundating roads and low-lying areas, and swelling major rivers, officials said on Sunday, August 2.

The district administration placed emergency response mechanisms, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), on high alert as several rivers rose to dangerous levels after relentless downpours across Western Ghats catchment areas.

The Netravathi, Kumaradhara, Mrutyunjaya, Phalguni (Gurupura), and Somavathi rivers were reported flowing near or above danger marks, threatening riverside settlements and agricultural belts. Water levels have risen rapidly; downstream communities are being monitored and alerted, a senior district official told PTI.

Landslides and flash floods blocked key routes and disrupted connectivity across the district. In Belthangady taluk, landslides obstructed the Mundaje-Dharmasthala route, while flash currents caused a retaining wall to collapse at Neriya, inundating nearby residential pockets.

Tributary overflows at Putrabailu and Laila severed the Belthangady-Killuru road link, officials said.

Low-lying arecanut plantations, agricultural fields, and houses in Mundaje and Ujire were submerged.

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) set up 24×7 control rooms across taluk headquarters to coordinate rescue and relief operations.

Authorities have warned citizens, tourists, and pilgrims against approaching riverbanks, waterlogged roads, and beaches. Fishermen were ordered to stay ashore owing to surface winds and high waves.

Heavy earth-moving equipment was deployed on national highway corridors, including Charmadi, Shiradi, and Sampaje Ghat routes, to clear potential landslide debris and maintain movement for essential services.

Local administrations and disaster response teams continue monitoring weather systems and river gauges; further advisories will be issued as the situation evolves, officials said.