Karnataka reeled under the impact of relentless rainfall on Sunday, as heavy downpours disrupted daily routines, flooded key areas, and triggered a landslide near Kettikallu in Belthangady taluk, blocking a vital stretch of National Highway-169.
In Dakshina Kannada, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported extremely heavy rainfall, with Mangaluru receiving 170 mm and Panambur a staggering 210 mm within 24 hours. Udupi recorded about 50 mm. The IMD issued an orange alert for five districts — Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu — warning of thunderstorms and lightning.
Mangaluru city bore the brunt, as low-lying areas like Pumpwell, Kaikamba, Kankanady, and Bikarnakatte experienced severe waterlogging. Rainwater entered houses, shops, and clogged streets. In Pumpwell, a key traffic hub, flooding forced diversion of Bengaluru-bound buses via Nanthur Circle.
The Jayashree Gate–Bikarnakatte stretch was submerged, drawing public ire over Mangaluru City Corporation’s (MCC) alleged failure to address chronic drainage issues. Locals said their complaints have long gone unanswered. Emergency response teams have since been deployed to clear choked drains and monitor flood-prone areas.
Meanwhile, in Belthangady taluk, a landslide caused a blockage on NH-169 near Kettikallu. No injuries were reported, but restoration work is ongoing.
In northern Karnataka, the Krishna River swelled in Yadgir district due to rainfall in Maharashtra, raising fresh concerns. Citizens are urging authorities to adopt long-term flood control plans, including better rainwater channels and regular desilting of drains.
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