Heavy rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds blocked the Mani–Mysuru National Highway near Puttur in Dakshina Kannada on Friday evening after a large tree fell across the road and brought down three electricity poles, disrupting power supply to several areas including Kavu, Ishwaramangala and Sullia.
The incident occurred near Minoj Kallu, close to Kavadicharu in Ariyadka village, on the stretch between Kavadicharu and Kavu Madl. The fallen tree landed on the 110 kV high-tension line supplying electricity from Puttur towards Sullia, causing three power poles to collapse.
A car travelling along the highway became trapped between the fallen tree and the electricity poles, according to the report. Traffic was halted for several hours, leaving vehicles waiting on both sides near Kavu and Kavadicharu.
Officials and personnel from the Forest Department, Mescom, the Fire and Emergency Services Department and Sampya police station reached the site. With assistance from local residents, the tree and the damaged electricity poles were removed to restore movement on the highway.
The power disruption affected Kavu, Ishwaramangala, Sullia and surrounding areas. The incident also highlighted the combined impact of storm-related tree falls on two essential systems: the highway network and electricity distribution infrastructure. The report did not provide a timeline for full restoration of electricity supply.
A separate tree fall near the Vishnumurthy Temple at Kulkun da, close to Subrahmanya, stopped traffic on the road for some time. Local residents helped clear the tree from the route.
Storm damage was also reported in several parts of Bantwal taluk after heavy rain and strong winds on Thursday evening. Trees fell on the homes of Malathi Koragappa of Pambadagadde in Arala village and Rukmaya Kulal of Pachilakodi. An areca palm reportedly fell on the house of Honnayya Acharya of Karim ar. Revenue Department officials also reported damage to areca plantations belonging to residents of Sangabettu, Sener ekodi in Baltila village and the surrounding area. The authorities involved in the Puttur clearance operation completed the removal of the obstructions from the affected highway stretch.
