Severe Weather Causes Widespread Damage in Udupi District
Udupi: Udupi district experienced severe weather on Monday evening, with strong winds and torrential rain causing significant damage to residential properties and agricultural lands across the region. Several houses were damaged by falling trees, resulting in injuries to residents, while widespread destruction of horticultural crops has been reported.
In Kadiyali ward, Udupi city, a large tree collapsed onto a house, injuring two individuals, identified as Raghavendra Bhat and Neeraj. Both were promptly transported to a private hospital for medical treatment. The incident in Moodabettu ward saw three houses sustain considerable damage after a tree fell on them.
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna immediately responded to the reports of damage in Moodabettu, arriving at the scene to oversee relief efforts. He instructed the Fire Department and MESCOM (Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited) officials to expedite the clearing of debris and the restoration of power.
Furthermore, he directed the Udupi Tahsildar and revenue department officials to assess the damage and provide immediate assistance, including temporary shelter, to the affected families in accordance with natural disaster relief protocols.
The adverse weather also inflicted significant damage on horticultural crops, particularly coconut, areca nut, and banana plantations. Thousands of trees were uprooted, and numerous electric poles collapsed, resulting in power outages across multiple villages throughout the night. Reports indicate particularly heavy damage from the strong winds in areas including Malpe, Katapadi, and Hiriyadka.
The downpour, accompanied by thunder and lightning, also impacted areas such as Brahmavar, Hebri, and Kundapur, with significant damage reported to areca nut and banana crops. In Katapadi, a coconut tree falling on a residence near the Enagudda forest gate is estimated to have caused over 50,000 rupees in damages.
Udupi City Municipal President Prabhakar Poojary and Council Member Shreesh Bhat were present during the relief efforts, assisting in the coordination of aid and assessing the extent of the damage. Authorities are continuing to evaluate the full extent of the damage and are working to provide necessary assistance to those affected by the severe weather.
