Karnataka is expected to experience active to vigorous rainfall until July 16, as forecasted by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC).
In response to a ‘red alert’ issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Laxmipriya, the deputy commissioner of Uttara Kannada district, has declared a holiday for all schools and PU colleges in Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal, Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Dandeli, and Joida taluks on Monday.
A ‘red alert’ signifies the likelihood of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours. The IMD has issued heavy rain and red alerts for Uttara Kannada district from 1 pm on July 14 to 8.30 pm on July 16.
The current vigorous monsoon conditions over Karnataka are attributed to an off-shore trough along the Maharashtra-north Kerala coast and a cyclonic circulation over west-central Bay of Bengal near coastal Andhra Pradesh. These weather systems are intensifying moisture flow into Karnataka, according to KSNDMC.
Rainfall is anticipated across coastal Karnataka, Malnad districts, and parts of interior Karnataka until July 16. Experts also predict significant inflows into dams on the Kaveri and Krishna basins in the state over the coming week.
In response to rising water levels, the Central Water Commission has issued inflow forecasts for six dams and barrages in Karnataka. Precautionary measures, including potential regulation of water levels, are being considered to prevent downstream flooding and upstream submergence, particularly with the Kabini reservoir already on red alert due to storage levels exceeding 85 percent.