- Karnataka will see active to vigorous rainfall until July 16 due to monsoon conditions.
- A red alert has been issued, leading to school and college closures in Uttara Kannada.
- Significant inflows are expected in dams, prompting regulation to prevent flooding.
Karnataka is gearing up for heavy rainfall, expected to persist until July 16, as forecasted by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC).
The current vigorous monsoon conditions are attributed to an off-shore trough along the Maharashtra-north Kerala coast and a cyclonic circulation over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
Heavy Rains Hit Karnataka: Red Alert Issued, Schools and Colleges Closed
The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has forecasted vigorous rainfall across the state until July 16. This has prompted the deputy commissioner of Uttara Kannada district to announce a holiday for schools and PU colleges in nine taluks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, indicating the potential for extremely heavy rain exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours.
On Sunday, Castle Rock in Uttara Kannada experienced the highest rainfall, recording 220 mm. The red alert remains in effect from July 14 to July 16, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions. The off-shore trough along the Maharashtra-north Kerala coast and a cyclonic circulation over the west-central Bay of Bengal are the primary drivers of this weather pattern, bringing substantial moisture into Karnataka.
Coastal Karnataka, Malnad districts, and parts of interior Karnataka are expected to be significantly affected by these rains. Weather experts have also predicted that the Kaveri and Krishna river basins will receive massive inflows. The Central Water Commission has issued inflow forecasts for six dams and barrages in the state, advising close monitoring and regulation to avoid potential flooding and submergence issues.
Authorities have placed the Kabini reservoir on red alert, as its storage levels have exceeded 85%. Proactive measures are being taken to regulate water levels in all major dams to mitigate risks of downstream flooding and upstream submergence. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay alert and follow any advisories issued by local authorities to ensure safety during this period of intense rainfall.
With Karnataka bracing for vigorous monsoon rains, authorities are taking preemptive measures to ensure public safety and prevent flooding. The ongoing red alert and school closures underscore the severity of the situation, and residents are urged to remain vigilant.
“Red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours.”
