New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in Karnataka as pre-monsoon showers intensify across the state. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next few days. Bengaluru, meanwhile, remains under a yellow alert.
On Tuesday, a red alert was declared for Kodagu district, where the district administration also announced a holiday for all Anganwadi centres. Similarly, Udupi authorities declared a holiday for Anganwadis, primary and secondary schools, and all government-aided and private educational institutions on Thursday.
Rainfall across Karnataka
For June 13, red alerts remain in place for Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru districts. An orange alert has been issued for Belgaum, Dharwad, Gadag, Hassan, and Kodagu. A yellow alert for Bengaluru, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mysuru, Tumakuru, and other districts.
The red alert has been extended to June 14 for several coastal and Malnad regions including Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu. Moderate rainfall is forecast across interior Karnataka till June 20.
According to IMD’s Bengaluru centre, the city is expected to witness light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning over the next three days. The maximum wind speeds could reach up to 50km/h. The forecast also warns of waterlogging in low-lying areas, with the BBMP and emergency services put on alert.
Heavy rains in Bengaluru
In the last 24 hours, many areas in Bengaluru received incessant showers. Localities such as HAL Airport, Pulakeshinagar, Vidyaranyapura, and Basavanapura recorded rainfall ranging from 10mm to 18mm. Traffic congestion and waterlogging were reported in several parts of the city, including Outer Ring Road, Manyata Tech Park, and MG Road.
Meteorologists have attribute the intensified rainfall to a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, stretching from northern Andhra Pradesh to southern Maharashtra. This upper-level atmospheric disturbance is causing widespread rainfall across Karnataka.
