Dakshina Kannada Battles Monsoon Fury: Landslides and River Swells Disrupt Life, Administration on High Alert

Dakshina Kannada district has been severely impacted by torrential monsoon rains over the past few days, leading to significant disruption across the region. Heavy downpours, particularly in the Western Ghats catchment areas, have caused major rivers such as Netravathi, Kumaradhara, and Phalguni to swell, flowing near or above danger levels. This has triggered numerous landslides, blocking key routes including the Mundaje-Dharmasthala road in Belthangady taluk and other vital links, thereby disrupting connectivity. Low-lying agricultural fields, arecanut plantations, and residential areas in places like Mundaje and Ujire have been inundated. In response to the escalating situation, the district administration has declared holidays for schools and colleges and activated comprehensive emergency response mechanisms. Both the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed and placed on high alert to assist with rescue and relief operations. Twenty-four-hour control rooms have been established across taluk headquarters to coordinate efforts. Authorities have also issued advisories to residents, tourists, and pilgrims, warning them to stay away from riverbanks, waterlogged roads, and beaches, and have instructed fishermen to remain ashore due to strong winds and high waves. Heavy earth-moving equipment is being utilized on national highway corridors, including Charmadi, Shiradi, and Sampaje Ghat routes, to clear debris and restore essential services. The persistent rainfall and its aftermath underscore the importance of robust disaster preparedness and community cooperation in coastal Karnataka.