Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Aug. 1: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a heavy rain alert for coastal Karnataka, forecasting intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and other coastal areas over the next one week.

The warning comes as the southwest monsoon continues to remain active, bringing heavy rainfall to several parts of Karnataka. The IMD has advised people in vulnerable areas to remain cautious as spells of intense rain are expected to persist.

Meanwhile, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Shivamogga districts witnessed heavy rainfall on Saturday. In view of the continuous downpour, the Dakshina Kannada district administration declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Saturday.

The impact of the heavy rain was also felt in the foothills of the Western Ghats, where rainfall on Friday caused the Kumaradhara River to swell and flow in full force. The rising waters submerged the Kumaradhara bathing ghat near the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, following which devotees were warned against entering the river.

Several parts of Chikkamagaluru district, including Mullayanagiri, Kudremukh, Kemmannugundi, Kalasa, Mudigere, Kottigehara, Sringeri, Narasimharajapura and Koppa, received heavy rainfall.

The weather department has also predicted heavy rain for several districts of Kerala during the next seven days. The districts under the alert include Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Mahe, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur and Wayanad.

With the monsoon gaining strength, authorities have urged residents, especially those living near rivers, low-lying areas and hilly regions, to stay alert and follow safety advisories to avoid untoward incidents.