Mangaluru, 26 May

Heavy monsoon rains continued to lash Karnataka’s coastal belt for the third consecutive day on Monday, severely disrupting normal life in Dakshina Kannada district. A red alert has been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the next five days, warning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours.

Heavy rainfall is likely to lash Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, Shivamogga, and Uttara Kannada.

Several parts of Mangaluru city witnessed severe waterlogging and traffic congestion due to overwhelmed drainage systems. Major waterlogging incidents were reported at Kottara Junction, Malemar, and Mahaveera Circle, while other areas like Urva, Matadakani, Kudroli, and Kodialbail West were also inundated. Suburban areas such as Thokkuttu, Goodinabali, Marakada, and Panamburu faced similar issues.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Anand K ordered the closure of all Anganwadi centres in the district on Monday as a precautionary measure. The IMD forecast continued heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours across the coastal region.

Rainfall totals in the past 24 hours exceeded 150 mm in several locations. Bellare in Sullia recorded 200.5 mm, followed by Sarapady in Bantwal and Belandur in Puttur with 190 mm each. Landslides have been reported in hilly areas of the district, and rising river levels in Belthangady have sparked flood concerns.

One NDRF team has been stationed in Puttur, while two SDRF teams have been deployed in Mangaluru and Subrahmanya. Local officials and panchayat development officers have been instructed to remain on high alert and initiate preventive measures. Schools and Anganwadis located in structurally weak buildings are being vacated ahead of reopening.

In a related incident, five tourists were rescued after being stranded atop the Eragundi waterfall in Moodbidri taluk on Sunday. Ignoring local warnings, they had climbed to the top, but rising river levels left them marooned. Locals used ropes to pull them to safety. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The authorities have urged the public to avoid visiting waterfalls and hilly terrain during heavy rains. Complaints have also been raised about flooding caused by ongoing highway construction, prompting calls for urgent intervention by the National Highways Authority of India.        —PTI