Mangaluru/Udupi: The southwest monsoon intensified across coastal Karnataka on Friday, bringing heavy rainfall to Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and causing waterlogging, road damage and disruptions in several areas. Continuous rain since the early hours inundated low-lying localities, affected traffic movement and prompted authorities to step up disaster preparedness measures as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the region.
Waterlogging affects several areas
Heavy rainfall led to flooding in multiple low-lying localities, with rainwater accumulating on roads and disrupting normal life. Motorists and pedestrians faced difficulties as several stretches remained waterlogged for hours.
Poor drainage systems in some areas worsened the situation, resulting in rainwater overflowing onto roads and public spaces. In many places, vehicular movement slowed considerably due to submerged road sections and reduced visibility caused by persistent showers.
Roads damaged after heavy rain
The season’s first major spell of monsoon rain exposed infrastructure weaknesses in several locations. Near Moodbidri, a portion of the service road along National Highway 169 at Mijaru was washed away after heavy rainwater flow eroded the soil beneath the structure.
Local residents attributed the damage to inadequate drainage planning and substandard construction. A small culvert reportedly failed to handle the large volume of rainwater, resulting in soil erosion and collapse of the road section.
In another incident, an asphalt road caved in at Korantibettu near Mulki, raising concerns about road safety during the monsoon season. Authorities are expected to assess the damage and initiate repair work.
A landslide was also reported in Beltangady taluk following continuous rainfall, highlighting the increased risk of slope failures in vulnerable areas during intense monsoon activity.
Widespread rainfall across the district
Good rainfall was recorded across numerous towns and villages, including Puttur, Uppinangady, Ishwaramangala, Kumbra, Panaje, Kodimbadi, Kabaka, Bantwal, Ira, B C Road, Parangipete, Sullia, Subrahmanya, Kadaba, Belthangady, Ujire, Dharmasthala, Venur, Ilanthila, Charmadi, Kokkada, Nelyadi, Madanthyaru, Vitla, Kanyana, Surathkal, Moodbidri, Mulki and Ullal.
Several areas in neighbouring Kasaragod district also experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Puttur taluk witnessed widespread rain throughout the day. Although the intensity reduced later in the afternoon, intermittent showers continued into the evening.
NDRF team deployed for monsoon emergencies
In view of the heavy rainfall forecast and potential flood-related incidents, a 30-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Bengaluru has been deployed in Puttur.
The team will remain prepared to respond to floods, drowning incidents, building collapses, chemical emergencies and other disaster-related situations during the monsoon season. The deployment is aimed at ensuring a quick response in case of emergencies and minimising risks to life and property.
Orange alert issued until June 9
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts from June 6 to June 9.
According to the forecast, heavy rainfall ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm is likely during the period, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Strong winds with speeds of 40 kmph to 60 kmph are also expected along the Karnataka coast.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until June 9 due to rough weather conditions and strong winds.
Udupi district records significant rainfall
Heavy rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and gusty winds was reported across Udupi district from Friday morning. Several locations received substantial rainfall, while intermittent showers continued through the day.
Cloudy conditions prevailed across the district, and poor drainage in some areas caused rainwater to flow onto roads, disrupting both vehicular and pedestrian movement. Power interruptions were also reported at several places due to lightning and adverse weather conditions.
Rainfall recorded during the last 24 hours included Kaup with 34.7 mm, Byndoor 28.7 mm, Kundapur 21.3 mm, Karkala 20.9 mm, Brahmavar 19.6 mm, Hebri 15.4 mm and Udupi 9.3 mm.
Karkala and Hebri taluks experienced particularly heavy showers from morning until afternoon, with rainwater flowing onto sections of highways and town roads. Although rainfall intensity reduced later in the day, intermittent showers persisted into the night.
Authorities urge caution
With the monsoon expected to remain active over the next few days, authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, especially in flood-prone and landslide-vulnerable areas. The deployment of disaster response personnel and weather alerts are expected to help improve preparedness as coastal Karnataka braces for continued heavy rainfall through the weekend.