It’s been 50 years since the devastating 1974 floods

It’s been 50 years since the devastating 1974 floods

Mangalore Today News Network

Bantwal, July 22, 2024: Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the devastating 1923 flood, colloquially known as ’Maari Bolla,’ which submerged large parts of the district. This year marks the 50th anniversary of another severe flood that occurred in 1974.

Notably, both floods happened on a Friday, with the 1974 flood also occurring on July 26th.

The 1974 flood was not as catastrophic as the 1923 flood. While there are no photographs from the 1923 flood, reminders of its severity are still visible in the marks on buildings in the Bantwal-Panemangalore area. These marks also include those left by the 1974 flood.

Unlike the earlier flood, the 1974 flood was captured on camera, and black-and-white photographs of its impact are currently circulating on social media. The flood severely affected Uppinangady, Bantwal, Panemangalore towns, and many areas where entire houses were washed away by the river.

Few people who witnessed the 1923 flood are still alive, but memories of the 1974 flood remain vivid for those over 50. The photographs taken by the late Dr. Narendra Acharya of Bantwal during the 1974 flood are still preserved, showing the submerged Bantwal market. According to local accounts, no similar floods have been reported since 1974.