Devastating Karnataka Rains: Mangaluru Flooded as Heavy Showers Strike, IMD Issues Urgent Red Alert for Coastal Region

Heavy rainfall since Saturday afternoon has severely disrupted daily life in coastal Karnataka, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for the region, including Dakshina Kannada district. Reports indicate significant waterlogging in various low-lying areas of Mangaluru city, with roads beneath the Pumpwell flyover submerged, creating substantial traffic disruptions.

Authorities revealed that a bus stalled at a flooded section of the road, and locals had to assist passengers in pushing it to safety. Streets in neighborhoods such as Car Street, Lower Bendur, and Kottara have been particularly hard-hit with reports of deep flooding. The Padil railway underpass and further sections of Car Street also faced inundation, further complicating vehicular movement. With the relentless rains, many homes in low-lying residential areas of Mangaluru have experienced water intrusion, prompting concerns among residents.

In light of the severe weather conditions, highway authorities have restricted the movement of two- and three-wheelers along a critical stretch of National Highway-66, specifically between Suratkal and Nantoor Junction in Dakshina Kannada district. The decision, invoked under Section 31 of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, aims to redirect smaller vehicles onto designated service roads throughout the ongoing monsoon season, which is anticipated to continue until September 2025.

Officials highlighted that persistent rain since last month has compromised segments of NH-66, rendering them unsafe for smaller vehicles. A maximum speed limit of 50 km/h has been implemented on the affected stretch to minimize the risk of accidents, with authorities urging all highway users to comply strictly with speed limits and traffic diversion signs during this challenging period.

While the IMD had issued red alerts in the district over the past few days amid less severe rains, Friday’s downpour brought particularly intense weather conditions. As of the morning of June 16, the red alert remains in effect for Dakshina Kannada district, with officials warning residents to brace for continued heavy rainfall.

As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to stay informed and take precautionary measures to ensure their safety during this period of unprecedented rainfall. The ongoing weather challenges underscore the importance of community preparedness and adherence to official advisories during the monsoon season.

This situation highlights the ongoing struggle against climate impacts faced by many urban areas, reiterating the importance of resilient infrastructure and responsive governance in mitigating the effects of extreme weather.

Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/karnataka-rains-several-areas-flooded-in-mangaluru-as-heavy-showers-lash-city-imd-issues-red-alert-for-coastal-region-11749913611540.html
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Publish Date: 2025-06-14 20:43:00