Bhatkal: Continuous heavy rainfall in Bhatkal over the past several days intensified on Saturday, resulting in the washing away of several key roads and severely disrupting local transportation. On Saturday morning, as children were preparing to leave for school, strong winds and torrential rain forced some to stay home, while others faced significant difficulties reaching school on time.

Among the affected roads are those connecting Bunder Road to Dongarpalli and Asarkeri, which had recently been resurfaced with tar and temporarily restored with soil following UGD (Underground Drainage) pipeline work. These roads have now become completely unusable.

Of particular concern is the APJ Abdul Kalam Road, linking Bunder Road to Asarkeri. After excavation for UGD installation, the road was backfilled with loose soil, which was washed away by the heavy rains, rendering the stretch severely damaged and impassable.

By afternoon, two school buses got stuck in deep slush along these affected routes. The right-side wheels of both buses sank into the muddy ground, nearly causing them to tip over. Fortunately, the drivers acted swiftly and safely evacuated all students. One of the buses was pulled out using a JCB machine, while the other was rescued with the help of a tipper lorry.

One of the drivers recalled that shortly after turning from Bunder Road towards Asarkeri, the wheels of his bus became trapped in soft mud, and the vehicle was close to overturning. He managed to regain control just in time. Shortly after this incident, a second school bus also got stuck at the same location. It reportedly took nearly an hour to free it.

Local residents expressed frustration, stating that after the UGD work, authorities had only loosely refilled the dug-up roads with soil, which could not withstand the monsoon rains. These routes have now become dangerous not only for school buses but also for other vehicles.

They also noted that rainwater from the Makhdoom Colony hill flows through these roads towards the river, worsening the road condition. Residents stressed the urgent need for durable and permanent concrete roads.

Locals have appealed to the municipal authorities and taluk administration to take immediate action and construct proper concrete roads to ensure safe and uninterrupted daily commuting.