IMD issues red alert for heavy rain in coastal Karnataka districts

Mangaluru (Karnataka), Jun 8 (PTI) The southwest monsoon has intensified over Karnataka’s coastal districts, prompting the IMD to issue a ‘red alert’ for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts amid forecasts of extremely heavy rainfall over the next two days.

Since the onset of the monsoon along the Karnataka coast, the region has witnessed widespread and incessant rain, with several areas recording heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Rivers, streams, and low-lying areas have begun receiving substantial inflows, while authorities are monitoring vulnerable locations for possible flooding and landslides.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a ‘red alert’ warning of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts,

with Uttara Kannada also expecting heavy rain.

Gusty winds of 40–50 kmph are likely along the coast, with rough sea conditions expected.

A ‘red alert’ indicates the possibility of exceptionally heavy rainfall—over 20 cm in 24 hours—that could cause waterlogging, transport disruption, infrastructure damage and localised flooding.

District administrations have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and follow weather advisories issued by authorities.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea due to rough weather and strong winds prevailing along the Karnataka coast.

As the 60-day monsoon fishing ban is already in force, only fishermen operating small boats undertake limited shore fishing.

District authorities in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada have taken additional precautions and barred tourists from entering the waterline at beaches.

Rope barricades and warning signboards have also been installed at vantage points cautioning against entering the sea.

Police, coastal police, and the local lifeguard network have been instructed to remain vigilant. However, there are no reports of waterlogging from any part of the region, except for a few low-lying areas in Mangaluru taluk and parts of the city.

Weather officials said widespread rainfall is likely to continue across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts over the coming week, with the monsoon expected to remain active over the region.

State Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader warned that engineers of the departments concerned would be held directly responsible if accidents caused by waterlogged potholes during the monsoon result in loss of life or injuries.

Chairing a meeting on monsoon preparedness in Mangaluru, Khader directed officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Public Works Department (PWD) to work in coordination and resolve road waterlogging issues on priority.

He said recurring problems of potholes and water accumulation on roads pose serious risks to motorists and pedestrians during the rainy season and should be addressed without delay. PTI COR AMP SSK