Severe Rainfall Causes Landslides and Flooding in Karnataka
Karnataka is currently facing a severe weather crisis as heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding and landslides in Mangaluru. The situation has resulted in tragic fatalities, including a three-year-old child, and has disrupted daily life across the region. Rescue operations are underway, with government officials assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts. With thousands of villages affected and homes damaged, the state is mobilizing resources to provide compensation and support to those impacted. This article delves into the ongoing crisis and the government's response to the natural disaster.
| May 31, 2025, 10:46 IST
Heavy Rainfall Hits Mangaluru
Karnataka Weather Update: On Friday morning, Mangaluru experienced a resurgence of heavy rainfall, leading to severe flooding reminiscent of the catastrophic floods in May 2018. The relentless downpour has inundated several areas, disrupting daily life and prompting comparisons to past disasters. Streets are submerged, and the situation is becoming increasingly dire, particularly in Kundapura, where heavy rain persisted overnight, while Suratkal continues to face ongoing rainfall, exacerbating weather-related challenges in coastal Karnataka.
Tragic Landslide Incident
In Mangaluru, the heavy rains resulted in a landslide that claimed the lives of two individuals, including a three-year-old child. This tragic event occurred when a portion of a hill collapsed onto the home of Kanthappa Pujari. His wife, Prema, also lost her life in this disaster. Another family member, Ashwini (33), along with their two-year-old child, Arush, was rescued, but their older child, Aryan (3), was tragically trapped under the debris.
Rescue Operations Underway
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively conducting rescue operations on the ground. Kanthappa and another family member, Sitaram, have been safely rescued.
Government Response and Assessment
According to reports from a local news outlet, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed the district in-charge minister, Dinesh Gundurao, and the district collector to visit the affected areas to assess the situation, coordinate rescue efforts, and take immediate action. The Chief Minister was informed during a review meeting that the excessive pre-monsoon rainfall since April has resulted in 67 fatalities in Karnataka, with an estimated 1.932 million people at risk due to floods or landslides. The state has recorded 270 mm of rainfall by May 29, which is 150% above the normal levels expected during the pre-monsoon period.
Impact on Villages and Compensation Plans
A total of 2,252 villages have been affected by floods or landslides, with 1,702 homes sustaining damage. Siddaramaiah assured that there would be no shortage of funds for compensating the damaged homes, with ₹1,000 crores allocated under the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). He directed the Deputy Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers to visit the impacted areas and oversee relief efforts. The government plans to provide ₹1.25 lakh in compensation for homes that have been completely destroyed, and new houses will be constructed for affected families, with the DC tasked to initiate this process.
Formation of Task Force
The government has established a task force at the gram panchayat level, integrating various departments to effectively respond to natural disasters.