The coastal twin districts experienced intensified pre-monsoon rains on Saturday, inundating several areas with heavy downpours.
Dakshina Kannada District Affected
In Dakshina Kannada, heavy rains pounded Beltangady, Mundaje, Charmady, Guruvayanakere, Koyyuru, Madyantharu, and Dharmasthala. The incessant rainfall led to waterlogging in various parts, causing inconvenience to residents.
Udupi District Witnessing Significant Rainfall
Similarly, Udupi district witnessed substantial rainfall in areas such as Udupi city, Manipal, Kundapur, Tekkatte, Basruru, and Karkala. The downpour brought relief from the scorching heat but also posed challenges with water accumulation.
Alerts Issued by IMD
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert from May 19 to 22, forecasting continued rains in the region. Fishermen were cautioned against venturing into the sea from May 18 to 22 due to the potential formation of a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, likely to induce turbulent conditions in the Arabian Sea.
Safety Measures Implemented
Responding to the warnings, the Dakshina Kannada district administration directed all fishing boats operating in deep sea to return to shore immediately, prioritizing the safety of fishermen.
Local Impacts
In Beltangady, the onset of rains around 4 pm persisted until midnight, causing flooding in areas like Maddadka. Additionally, blocked underground drainages in Ujire led to overflow onto roads, hampering vehicular movement. Power outages were reported in many areas due to heavy winds accompanying the rainfall.
Challenges Amidst Rain
The ongoing national highway work exacerbated the situation, making roads slippery for motorists. Despite the challenges posed by the heavy rains, efforts were underway to mitigate the impact and ensure public safety.