Relentless rainfall has triggered extensive flooding and traffic chaos across coastal Karnataka, particularly in Dakshina Kannada. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, forecasting continuous heavy showers until June 16.
Heavy rain since Saturday afternoon has left multiple residential and commercial zones submerged. Localities such as Car Street, Lower Bendur, Kottara, and the Padil railway underpass were inundated, with floodwaters seeping into homes and displacing families. Mangaluru city’s low-lying regions were worst hit, with major roads and underpasses under water.
Commuters faced massive hurdles, especially near the Pumpwell flyover, where floodwaters brought traffic to a standstill. In one incident, a bus broke down mid-flood, and passengers, aided by locals, had to push it to safety.
Citing rising risk, officials have restricted movement of two- and three-wheelers on National Highway-66, particularly between Suratkal and Nantoor Junction. Continuous downpours have eroded highway sections, prompting a reduced speed limit of 50 km/h. Under Section 31 of the National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, small vehicles are now rerouted to service roads, a measure that will last through the monsoon, expected to continue until September 2025.
Although previous IMD red alerts saw limited rain, Friday’s intense downpour marked a dramatic change, with persistent cloudy skies and forecasts of more rain. The district remains under close watch as authorities prepare for further emergencies.
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