Bhatkal: Heavy rain that lashed Bhatkal late Thursday night caused severe waterlogging on the National Highway and led to property damage at multiple locations across the taluk. The intense downpour, which began around 11 PM and continued until 2 AM on Friday, disrupted traffic movement and damaged houses in different parts of Bhatkal.

As in previous years, water accumulated on key stretches of the highway, including Ranginkatta and Shamsuddin Circle, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through. Motorists faced significant inconvenience for several hours as the roads remained submerged.

Apart from the highway disruption, three houses in separate villages within the taluk suffered partial damage due to the heavy rain and strong winds. In Chandrahitlu Majre of Mavalli 2 village, a coconut tree collapsed onto the house of Narayana Chunda Naik, resulting in partial structural damage. In another incident that occurred on the morning of May 30 in Shirali 1 village, a betel nut tree fell on the roof of the pucca house belonging to Mrs. Masti Venkatappa Naik due to strong winds. The house was partially damaged, but no injuries or loss of livestock were reported. Similarly, in Honnegadde Majre of Heble village, the roof of a house owned by Mrs. Nagamma Eerayya Moger collapsed following Friday morning’s rainfall. While the property sustained damage, there were no casualties.

Bhatkal experienced intermittent showers throughout Thursday, but the intensity of the rain increased sharply during the night. However, by Friday evening, there was a noticeable decline in rainfall. According to official data, the town recorded 131.2 mm of rainfall on Friday.