Mangaluru/Udupi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a week-long heavy rainfall alert for coastal Karnataka, forecasting intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and neighbouring districts. With the southwest monsoon remaining active, authorities have urged residents, particularly those living in vulnerable areas, to stay alert and follow official safety advisories.
Heavy rain likely across coastal districts
According to the IMD, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected to continue over the next seven days across coastal Karnataka. The forecast covers Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and other adjoining coastal regions.
The weather department said the active southwest monsoon is expected to bring persistent rainfall, increasing the possibility of waterlogging, flooding in low-lying areas and disruption to normal life.
Residents have been advised to exercise caution, especially while travelling during periods of intense rainfall.
Schools and colleges declared holiday
The impact of the active monsoon was already evident on Saturday, with several parts of Karnataka recording heavy rainfall.
Considering the continuous downpour, the Dakshina Kannada district administration declared a holiday for schools and colleges to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Officials have said that further decisions regarding educational institutions will be taken based on the evolving weather conditions and IMD forecasts.
Rivers swell in the Western Ghats
Heavy rainfall in the foothills of the Western Ghats led to a sharp rise in river levels.
The Kumaradhara River, which flows near the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, swelled following Friday’s rainfall, submerging the popular bathing ghat used by devotees.
Authorities immediately cautioned pilgrims and visitors against entering the river due to the strong current and rising water level, warning that the situation could become dangerous if rainfall continues.
Chikkamagaluru records widespread rainfall
Several areas of Chikkamagaluru district witnessed heavy rainfall on Saturday as the monsoon intensified.
Places including Mullayanagiri, Kudremukh, Kemmannugundi, Kalasa, Mudigere, Kottigehara, Sringeri, Narasimharajapura and Koppa received significant rainfall during the day.
The continuous showers have replenished streams and reservoirs but have also increased the risk of landslides, overflowing rivers and damage to roads in hilly regions.
Authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable locations across the district.
Kerala also under rain alert
The IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall across several districts of neighbouring Kerala over the next seven days.
Districts placed under the alert include Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Mahe, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur and Wayanad.
The widespread rainfall forecast indicates that the southwest monsoon remains vigorous across the west coast, affecting both Karnataka and Kerala.
Authorities urge public to remain cautious
With heavy rain expected to continue, authorities have appealed to residents to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to remain vigilant, particularly in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas.
People living near rivers, streams, low-lying localities and hilly regions have been advised to closely monitor weather updates and follow instructions issued by local administrations.
Emergency agencies remain on alert to respond to any rain-related incidents as the monsoon continues to strengthen over the coming week.