Rain disrupts life in three districts

Several parts of Shivamogga, Hassan, and Chikkamagaluru districts received moderate to heavy rainfall on Saturday (March 28) evening. The sudden downpour disrupted daily life across the three districts.

In Shivamogga city, roads were flooded, causing hardship for motorists. The rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, forced two-wheeler riders to park their vehicles by the roadside and seek immediate shelter. Power supply was also disrupted in many localities owing to the heavy showers.

Ginger growers were among the worst affected. Many had spread their ginger to dry under the hot sun, only to see their efforts ruined by the sudden rains. The showers, which lasted over an hour, left the nearly dried produce wet again. On Sunday (March 29), workers were seen gathering the wet ginger into heaps and covering them with plastic sheets.

Ashraf, a ginger merchant at Ayanur in Shivamogga taluk, said the untimely rain caused significant losses. “The ginger was almost dry and ready for sale, but the rain made it wet once more,” he added.

Merchants typically buy wet ginger from growers at around ₹50 per kg and sell the dried product for about ₹250 per kg. However, this year’s high production has kept selling prices low.

According to rainfall data for the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on March 29, many areas received good showers. In Hassan district, parts of Holenarasipura and Arkalgud taluks recorded between 31 mm and 58.5 mm of rainfall. In Shivamogga district, several villages in Sorab, Sagar, and Shikaripur taluks received 34 mm to 49.4 mm. In Chikkamagaluru district, parts of Mudigere and Koppa taluks recorded up to 40 mm.

The widespread rainfall resulted in a cool and cloudy Sunday — a rare and welcome relief during the usually hot March days. The morning remained dull and overcast in Shivamogga.