Cyclone Mekunu, Ceaseless Rains Leave Karnataka’s Coastal Districts Flooded

For the first time in over three decades, the coast of Karnataka witnessed massive flooding on Tuesday (29 May), as the region saw unprecedented rainfall for around 24 hours. The flooding is swaid to be a combined impact of cyclone Mekunu and the early onset of monsoon in the region.

Life was thrown out of gear in most regions in the twin districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. Schools and colleges declared a holiday but the district administration had to intervene and ferry children out of the schools by boat as the streets were completely inundated.

The Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada though has written off the impact of the cyclone and said it is just the heavy rains that caused the flood, reported Daijiworld. “The people of the district need not panic since the district administration is taking necessary action following heavy downpour,” he said as quoted.

But citizens opine that it is not just the rains but the lack of an effective drain system that has resulted in this situation. Most roads that were flooded had been concretised in the past few years without leaving any space or scope for drains to be constructed alongside. This has left the water no scope to drain out to the sea. Else it is not unusual for the region to witness incessant rains in the monsoon.

People stranded in the area have been asked to contact control room at 1077 or on the numbers 9448549445 and 9448104455. Several self-help groups and citizen organisations have also pitched into help the district administration as they offered shelter and food to citizens who had been stranded.

As reported by The Indian Express, the Home Ministry has rushed teams of the National Disaster Response Force to aid in the rescue efforts. The total loss is estimated around Rs 50 lakh, with around 130 buildings and houses partially or fully damaged.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too tweeted out assuring people of action.

The rains have stopped since early morning today (30 May). This should help the rain water drain out to the sea and improve the situation.