Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Aug 4: Coastal Karnataka witnessed a spell of intense rainfall over the past 24 hours, with Hakladi in Kundapura taluk of Udupi district recording a record-breaking 189 mm of rain — the highest rainfall in the state during the period and the first such record from the location.

Data released by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) showed that widespread heavy rain battered the coastal belt under the influence of an active south-west monsoon system over the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.

Udupi district recorded some of the heaviest showers, with Hakladi topping the list at 189 mm, followed by Kollur (86.4 mm), Siddapura (50.2 mm), Udupi town (30 mm), and Kundapura town (14 mm).

Heavy rainfall was also reported across Dakshina Kannada district. Uppinangady received 122.8 mm, while Beltangady recorded 100.8 mm, Dharmasthala 76.2 mm, Moodbidri 74.4 mm, Bantwal 27.4 mm, and Mangaluru city 23.6 mm.

In Uttara Kannada district, Joida recorded 148.6 mm of rainfall, followed by Jaglabet (67 mm), Gersoppa (46.2 mm), and Kiravatti (32.4 mm).

The KSNDMC said the widespread rainfall was linked to the active monsoon conditions prevailing over the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, which have intensified rain activity across the coastal districts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in coordination with state disaster monitoring authorities, has warned coastal districts of continued surface winds at 30–40 kmph and isolated spells of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

District administrations have been directed to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to tackle possible incidents of flash floods, landslides in hilly areas, and urban flooding.

The IMD advisory has also urged fishermen not to venture into the Arabian Sea due to rough sea conditions and strong winds.