Coastal Karnataka Braces for Red Alert as Monsoon Rains Ease Briefly

After several days of heavy rainfall, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts saw a temporary respite on Thursday, with only sporadic showers and reduced wind intensity compared to the downpour on Wednesday. While Mangaluru experienced a mix of cloudy skies and sunny spells, Udupi received notable evening and night rain.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for May 23, a red alert for May 24, and again an orange alert from May 25 to 28, predicting intense rainfall and gusty winds across the coastal belt.

This change in weather has brought cooler temperatures:

• Mangaluru recorded a maximum of 31.7°C, 6.4°C below normal, and a minimum of 23.7°C, 1.6°C below average.

• In Udupi, towns like Brahmavar, Kaup, and Hiriyadka witnessed sunny spells during the day, followed by heavy evening rainfall.

Rain damage reports include:

• Partial damage to 10 houses across Kundapur, Brahmavar, and Udupi taluks.

• Destruction of areca nut plantations in Kundapur.

• Water damage to the government primary school in Mooduthonse village.

However, drain waste mismanagement remains a concern. Cleared waste piles have been left along canal banks, risking re-contamination during heavy rain. Authorities stress the need for immediate disposal to prevent blockages.

Responding to the monsoon onset, Udupi DC Dr. K Vidyakumari and ZP CEO Prateek Boyel have directed urban and rural bodies to accelerate stormwater drain cleaning. The forest department and MESCOM are also removing hazardous trees to avert accidents.

Read Also:

• Coastal Karnataka Soaked as Heavy Rains Trigger Alerts and Action
• Monsoon Fury: Udupi Tops Rain Charts at 271 mm, DK & Udupi on Orange Alert