A 48-year-old man, Jeevan Pinto, went missing in Bantwal's Rayi village on Saturday evening. Authorities suspect he was swept away by a rivulet during heavy rainfall.
Key Takeaways
- 48-year-old Jeevan Pinto is missing since Saturday evening.
- Suspected to have been swept away by a rivulet near his home.
- Heavy rainfall of 100.6 mm recorded in Dakshina Kannada.
- Phalguni River has crossed the danger mark.
In a distressing incident in Bantwal taluk, 48-year-old Jeevan Pinto, a resident of Panchakodi in Rayi village, has been reported missing since Saturday evening. According to the Bantwal Rural police, the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. while he was heading to his uncle's house.
Authorities suspect that Pinto may have slipped into a rivulet and been carried away by the strong current while attempting to cross near his residence using a footbridge. Search teams have recovered his torchlight and slippers at the site. Currently, local police and Fire and Emergency Services personnel are conducting intensive search operations in the area.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events in coastal Karnataka is putting immense pressure on local infrastructure. The disappearance of a citizen during routine movement highlights the lethal risks posed by rising water levels in small rivulets and unmonitored footbridges during the monsoon.
The combination of high-velocity currents and low visibility during heavy rains significantly complicates search and rescue missions in rural terrains.
Rainfall and River Statistics
The District Disaster Management Authority reported that Dakshina Kannada received 100.6 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending Sunday morning, significantly exceeding the normal level of 44.6 mm. This surge has led to rising river levels across the region.
| River Name | Current Level (m) | Danger Level (m) |
|---|---|---|
| Netravathi (Bantwal) | 8.6 m | 9.0 m |
| Phalguni (Addur) | 7.1 m | 6.5 m |
| Kumaradhara (Pulikukku) | 82.15 m | 84.32 m |
Notably, the Phalguni River at Addur has already breached the danger mark. In Udupi district, 83.2 mm of rainfall was recorded, resulting in damage to residential properties and utility poles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the current status of the search for Jeevan Pinto?
Search operations by the police and Fire and Emergency Services are actively ongoing in the Bantwal area.
2. Which rivers are currently at risk?
The Phalguni River has crossed the danger mark, while the Netravathi and Kumaradhara rivers are nearing their respective danger levels.
