Heavy rains disrupt life in several parts of Karnataka, causing waterlogging, landslide

Heavy rains disrupt life in several parts of Karnataka, causing waterlogging, landslide

Heavy rains disrupted normal life across several parts of Karnataka on Sunday, with widespread waterlogging, landslides, and rising river levels affecting multiple districts.

While coastal Karnataka was severely impacted by the intense rainfall, while the Krishna River in Yadgir district rose significantly due to heavy water inflow from neighbouring Maharashtra.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several areas in Dakshina Kannada received between 110 mm and 210 mm of rainfall over 24 hours. Mangaluru, the district headquarters of Dakshina Kannada, received 170 mm of rainfall, while the Panambur observatory in the same district recorded a higher figure of 210 mm. The adjoining Udupi district also experienced rainfall, recording 50 mm rainfall.

In Mangaluru, severe waterlogging was reported in areas such as Pumpwell, Bikarnakatte, Kaikamba, and Kankanady due to overflowing stormwater drains.

Rainwater flooded homes, shops, and roads in low-lying areas, leading to traffic congestion and damage to property. At Pumpwell junction, a major traffic intersection, buses were diverted through Nanthur Circle due to severe waterlogging.

The Jayashree Gate–Bikarnakatte stretch was inundated with rainwater, highlighting the lack of adequate drainage infrastructure. Residents claimed that repeated complaints to the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) have failed to bring about a permanent solution. Municipal officials confirmed that emergency response teams had been deployed to clear drains and monitor flood-prone zones.

A landslide near Kettikallu along National Highway-169 in Belthangady taluk disrupted vehicular movement. Authorities reported no casualties, and road-clearing operations are underway.

In Udupi district, several areas including Brahmavar, Gundibail, Ambagilu, Kolalagiri, and KG Road experienced flooding. Villages such as Heroor, Haladi, Kumbashi, Thekkatte, and parts of Kundapur taluk also reported heavy waterlogging, affecting both residential areas and service roads along National Highway 66.

The IMD issued an orange alert for Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu, forecasting thunderstorms with lightning. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from waterlogged and landslide-prone areas and to report emergencies to local disaster response units.

In north Karnataka, the Krishna River rose sharply in Yadgir district after 52,000 cusecs of water were released from Basavasagar Dam at Narayanpur. Fourteen sluice gates were opened to manage the inflow of 45,000 cusecs. The dam, with a total capacity of 33.33 TMC feet, was reported to hold 28.20 TMC feet of water at the time.

The gushing release from the dam drew attention for its dramatic visuals, but the rainfall led to crop losses in several rain-affected areas, causing concern among farmers.

With continued rainfall forecast along the Karnataka coast, district administrations have stepped up efforts to prevent further damage and ensure public safety.