Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 13: The monsoon has picked up pace across the coastal belt of Karnataka, bringing widespread and intense rainfall on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert until June 16, warning that the rain is likely to intensify in the coming days.
In Dakshina Kannada (DK) district, intermittent rainfall was reported throughout Thursday. As a precautionary measure, a holiday was declared for schools in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kodagu districts.
In light of the heavy rainfall, educational institutions in Udupi and Kodagu districts will remain closed on Friday as well. In Udupi, schools from anganwadis to class 10 have been granted leave, while in Kodagu, the closure applies to institutions up to the PUC (Pre-University Course) level.
Several areas in the region—including Bantwal, Kalladka, Beltangady, Ujire, Dharmasthala, Charmadi, Mangaluru, Puttur, Subrahmanya, Sullia, Kadaba, Uppinangady, Moodbidri, Ullal, Surathkal, Mulki, Kanyana, and Vittal—experienced significant rainfall. The intensity was particularly high in the early hours of the day. Rainfall reduced slightly during the afternoon and evening in some areas, including Mangaluru.
As per records ending at 8:30 am on June 12, the highest rainfall in Dakshina Kannada district was reported in Kilpady at 160 mm, followed by Baala (114.5 mm), Pudu (110 mm), Ira (101.5 mm), Marodi (100.5 mm), Kotekar (95.5 mm), Meramajalu (93.5 mm), Bajpe (89 mm), Shirthady (88 mm), Boliyar (86.5 mm), Tumbe (84 mm), Amadi (82.5 mm), Balepuni (81.5 mm), Neerumarga (81.5 mm), and Padu Marnad (81 mm).
The IMD has warned of possible localized flooding due to intense rainfall in parts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and other coastal regions on June 13. There is a chance of artificial flooding in low-lying areas and sudden flooding in riverine regions due to increased inflow into rivers and streams.
Anticipating further intensification of the monsoon, the IMD has issued a red alert for the coastal districts from June 13 to 16. During this period, rainfall may exceed 204.5 mm, accompanied by thunder, strong winds, and high sea waves.
Heavy rainfall was also reported from various parts of Udupi district. From early morning, the region witnessed overcast conditions with continuous rain. Areas like Udupi, Kaup, Katapady, Shirva, Manipal, and Brahmavar in Udupi taluk recorded substantial rainfall. In the rural parts of Karkala and Kundapur taluks, water levels in rivers have risen considerably.