Udupi: Two days after its inauguration, Karnataka’s first floating bridge was damaged after being hit by huge waves. The bridge at the Malpe beach in Udupi, inaugurated by MLA K Raghupathi Bhat on May 6, was damaged on May 8 night, according to the district administration.

Pieces of the bridge were seen floating in the water in a viral video, but the leaseholder, Sudesh Shetty, said the bridge had in fact been “disconnected to avoid damage” due to the cyclonic weather.

“We had to disconnect the locks of the bridge because of the cyclone effect and heavy wind to avoid further damage. So some of the blocks of the bridge were floating in the sea. There is a rumour that the bridge is damaged, but I confirm that there were neither casualties nor any harm to anyone. Currently, the floating bridge remains closed because of a notice from the district administration,” Shetty told reporters.