Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 2: Dakshina Kannada (DK) district has recorded a 14 percent deficit in pre-monsoon rainfall from January 1 to May 6, 2026, compared to normal levels. Rainfall has declined significantly in several taluks including Mangaluru, Ullal and Bantwal, while Sullia taluk alone has received excess rainfall.
According to statistics released by the Dakshina Kannada district administration and disaster management authority, the district’s average pre-monsoon rainfall is 95.6 mm. However, only 81.8 mm rainfall has been recorded this year.
Mangaluru taluk had received 84.4 mm rainfall during the same period from January to May 6 last year. This year, only 39.3 mm rainfall has been recorded, marking a 53 percent deficit. Ullal taluk, which normally receives 84.7 mm rainfall, has recorded only 41.9 mm this year, resulting in a 51 percent shortfall. Bantwal taluk too witnessed a 39 percent decline, receiving only 39.5 mm rainfall against the normal 64.8 mm.
Sullia taluk is the only region in Dakshina Kannada district to record excess rainfall. Against the normal 112.6 mm rainfall, the taluk has already received 149 mm rainfall, registering a 32 percent increase. Notably, Sullia received excess rainfall even in January. In April alone, the taluk recorded 7 percent excess rainfall.
Puttur taluk has reported an overall rainfall deficit of 30 percent, receiving 50.7 mm rainfall against the normal 72.5 mm. Kadaba taluk recorded a 22 percent shortfall, receiving 104.3 mm rainfall against the normal 133.7 mm. Moodbidri and Mulki taluks registered rainfall deficits of 39 percent and 37 percent respectively. Beltangady taluk remained almost balanced in rainfall distribution, with only a 1 percent deficit.
During April, the district received only 36.7 mm rainfall against the normal 54.6 mm, registering a 33 percent decline. Mangaluru, Ullal and Bantwal taluks recorded the least rainfall during this period. Though the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has expressed hopes of better-than-normal rainfall during the monsoon season, the present rainfall deficit has emerged as a challenge for the district administration.
Although rainfall is expected during May, precipitation has remained weak in some areas. Officials say the expected rainfall levels can be anticipated only after the arrival of monsoon winds.
As in previous years, Ullal region in Dakshina Kannada district is facing severe water scarcity this year as well. Water tankers are supplying water through six trips daily in two gram panchayat limits of Ullal. Drinking water problems have also intensified in Vittal and Mulki regions, with Mulki alone receiving water supply through 16 tanker trips daily.
“Pre-monsoon rainfall has been good in some districts of the state. However, some districts have not received the expected amount of rainfall. There is a possibility of good rainfall in the coming days due to monsoon winds. But the situation regarding low-pressure systems and cyclones will have to be studied,” said an IMD scientist.