Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jun 29: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) have issued an orange alert for several districts in the coastal and Malnad regions of the state. While heavy rainfall is predicted for Dakshina Kannada and Malnad districts until July 2, the alert for Udupi district extends until July 6.
Heavy rain is predicted for Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Uttara Kannada on July 1, with heavy downpours expected to continue in the coastal districts of Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada on July 2. According to the department's forecast, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts are also expected to receive good rainfall starting June 30.
In view of the prolonged weather forecast for Udupi from June 30 to July 6, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, the Udupi district disaster management authority has issued a comprehensive advisory. The administration has urged the public and government officials to remain on high alert and follow precautionary measures to minimise risks.
The administration has advised the public, children, and workers to avoid venturing outdoors during heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning, and to take shelter in safe buildings. Farmers have been urged to suspend agricultural activities during adverse weather conditions. Tourists, fishermen, and the general public have also been warned against entering rivers, water bodies, and the sea during the alert period.
People have been cautioned to stay away from dangerous trees, electric poles, and snapped power lines. They have also been advised not to stand near weak or old buildings or under trees. Property owners are requested to trim hazardous branches and ensure the safety of buildings before the weather worsens.
As continuous rainfall could increase the risk of landslides in vulnerable areas, residents living in such locations have been advised to contact the tahsildar's office or gram panchayat officials and, if necessary, shift to the nearest relief centre well in advance. With strong winds and heavy rain expected over the next seven days, the administration has urged residents to remain indoors in safe structures, advising those in weak buildings to relocate as a precaution.
The district disaster management authority has directed all district and taluk-level officials, designated nodal officers, and members of local disaster management committees to remain stationed at their headquarters and be prepared to respond promptly to any emergency. The public has been requested to contact the district disaster management control room or their respective tahsildar's office for further information or emergency assistance.
Meanwhile, the monsoon remained relatively weak across the state in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Sunday. Rainfall was restricted to only a few isolated places in the coastal, north interior, and south interior regions.
Gokarna recorded the highest rainfall at 6 cm, followed by Honnavar and Karwar with 5 cm each. Kundapur received 4 cm of rain, while Ankola and Tiptur recorded 3 cm each. Raichur recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 37 degrees Celsius, the department reported.