Karnataka on High Alert: IMD Predicts Intense Monsoon, Triggers Flood
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alarming forecast for Kodagu district, predicting above-average monsoon rainfall, reviving fears of a repeat of the 2018 flood disaster. A geological survey identified 43 high-risk areas in Kodagu, vulnerable to floods and landslides.
Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja urged residents near the Cauvery, Hattihole, and Lakshman Tirtha rivers to remain alert. Precautionary actions have been accelerated, including the relocation of 1,366 residents in hazardous zones and the setup of a 24×7 control room. Deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also anticipated.
To ensure safety, emergency personnel, police, and volunteers have been stationed in key locations. Plans are underway to open over 100 relief shelters stocked with essential supplies and infrastructure.
Elsewhere in Coastal Karnataka, Dakshina Kannada district faced landslides at five sites, including a collapsed culvert in Maripalla, which threatened major roads. G Santhosh Kumar, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, confirmed the damage.
Mangaluru saw severe waterlogging in areas like Akash Bhavan, Malemaru, and Kottara Cross, while in Udupi, parts of National Highway 66 and KG Road were submerged, disrupting traffic. In Manipal, floodwaters carrying mud and debris swamped roads.
Further north, a landslide in Kumta taluk blocked the Ankola-Sirsi highway, prompting PWD to block the route for safety, according to Tahsildar B Sadanand.
As heavy rains continue, district administrations remain vigilant, prioritising community safety and disaster preparedness across Karnataka.
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