Relentless Rain Batters Coastal Karnataka; Red Alert Issued, Disaster Teams Deployed Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka:
Heavy monsoon showers continued to pummel Karnataka’s coastal region for the third straight day on Monday, significantly disrupting daily life in the Dakshina Kannada district and prompting authorities to issue a red alert.
With waterlogging, traffic snarls, and landslides affecting the area, disaster response teams have been pressed into action to manage the escalating crisis.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed coastal Karnataka under a red alert for the next five days, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204 mm within a 24-hour period. The forecast also warns of continued intense rainfall for at least the next 48 hours.
Urban Flooding, Landslides Disrupt Normalcy
In Mangaluru city, several low-lying areas reported severe waterlogging due to overloaded or ineffective drainage systems. Key traffic junctions such as Kottara junction, Malemar, and Mahaveera Circle experienced major flooding, while smaller pockets of inundation were observed in Urva, Matadakani, Kudroli, and Kodialbail (west).
Outskirts including Thokkuttu, Goodinabali, Marakada, and Panamburu also witnessed significant water accumulation, disrupting mobility.
Meanwhile, minor landslides were reported in the hilly regions of the district, raising concerns about structural safety in vulnerable zones.
Administrative Response and Safety Measures
Acting Deputy Commissioner Anand K announced the closure of all Anganwadi centres across Dakshina Kannada on Monday as a precautionary measure.
Schools housed in structurally weak buildings are also being vacated in anticipation of further rainfall.
Rainfall data from the last 24 hours revealed Bellare in Sullia taluk received the highest rainfall at 200.5 mm, followed closely by Sarapady in Bantwal and Belandur in Puttur, each recording 190 mm.
The authorities fear the downpour could intensify, leading to more flooding and possible infrastructural damage.
To strengthen disaster preparedness:
- One team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been stationed in Puttur.
- Two State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed in Mangaluru and Subrahmanya.
- Local bodies and panchayat development officers have been directed to take urgent preventive and relief measures.
- Rescue equipment such as JCBs and boats has been made ready for deployment.
Rising River Levels and Additional Threats
Water levels in rivers, particularly near Belthangady, are reported to be rising rapidly, posing a serious flood threat to low-lying settlements. In the Uttara Kannada district, landslides were recorded near Kumta, adding to the growing list of weather-induced emergencies.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been urged to respond promptly to citizen complaints of water seepage in residential areas near construction sites along highways, which are believed to be worsening the waterlogging problem.
Meanwhile, rough seas and warnings from the weather department have led to the return of several fishing boats to New Mangalore Port. These vessels had ventured out early in the fishing season but were forced to return due to dangerous maritime conditions.
Heroic Rescue at Eragundi Waterfall
Amid the extreme weather, a potentially tragic situation was averted when five tourists stranded atop the Eragundi waterfall were rescued safely by alert locals.
The incident occurred on Sunday in Paladka, Puttige village, Moodbidri taluk, in Dakshina Kannada district.
According to the police, the tourists had ignored warnings from residents and climbed to the upper reaches of the waterfall.
However, the sudden rise in water levels due to the ongoing rains trapped the group, who began shouting for help. In a swift response, locals used ropes to bring all five individuals to safety. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Authorities reiterated earlier warnings to avoid visiting waterfalls and hilly areas during periods of intense rainfall, stressing that such activities not only endanger the tourists themselves but also place additional pressure on emergency response teams.
With the monsoon expected to persist in full force, the district administration continues to urge residents to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and cooperate with safety advisories.
Officials remain on high alert as the region braces for more heavy downpours in the coming days.
