UNRELENTING HEAVY RAIN HITS DAKSHINA KANNADA, CAUSING FLOODING AND DAMAGE
Dakshina Kannada district has been battered by unrelenting heavy rains since the night of May 29-30, 2025, severely disrupting normal life and causing widespread damage. After a brief lull on May 29, the skies opened up with intense downpours, with some areas recording over 300 mm of rain in 24 hours. Mangaluru city, Ullal taluk, and surrounding low-lying areas faced severe flooding, inundating homes, shops, and streets. Key roads such as Bejai-Kapikad were blocked by fallen trees, and rail services were temporarily suspended after a tree fell on the tracks near Jeppu. The relentless rain has caused significant distress to residents and posed serious challenges to emergency services.
The heavy rainfall in Dakshina Kannada has severely impacted agriculture, with vast tracts of paddy fields and plantations submerged under water. Farmers are facing significant losses as standing crops have been damaged, and the saturated soil threatens future planting cycles. Agricultural experts warn that prolonged waterlogging could lead to pest infestations and crop diseases, further exacerbating the crisis for the farming community.
Transportation disruptions have extended beyond local roads, affecting connectivity between Dakshina Kannada and neighboring districts. Several state highways have been rendered impassable due to landslides and flooding, complicating the movement of essential goods and emergency supplies. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has suspended some bus routes temporarily, while rail services remain disrupted until track clearance and safety inspections are completed.
Power outages have been reported in multiple areas due to waterlogging and fallen trees damaging electrical infrastructure. The electricity department is working round the clock to restore power, prioritizing critical facilities such as hospitals and relief camps. Residents are advised to exercise caution around downed power lines and to report outages promptly to the authorities.
TRAGIC LOSS OF LIVES AS LANDSLIDES AND FLASH FLOODS STRIKE
The heavy rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods that have tragically claimed at least four lives, including three children, and left three others missing in Dakshina Kannada. In Montepadav, Manjanady near Deralakatte, a massive landslide caused a mango tree to uproot and collapse onto a family home, trapping several members under debris.
Despite a six-hour rescue operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), three family members, including two toddlers, lost their lives. Another child died when a wall collapsed due to a landslide in Belma village. Additionally, two fishermen went missing after their boat capsized in the rough waters of the Phalguni river near Thotabengre. The district administration has announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families affected by these tragedies.
Health officials have raised concerns about the potential for waterborne diseases following the flooding. Stagnant water and poor sanitation conditions increase the risk of infections such as cholera, dengue, and leptospirosis. The district health department has intensified surveillance and launched awareness campaigns to educate the public on preventive measures, including the use of mosquito nets and safe drinking water practices.
Schools and educational institutions, closed due to the heavy rains, are preparing to resume operations once the situation stabilizes. The education department has instructed schools to assess infrastructure damage and ensure safe environments for students before reopening. Teachers are also being briefed on contingency plans for remote learning should the rains persist.
The tourism sector in Dakshina Kannada has taken a hit as popular destinations like Panambur Beach and Pilikula Nisargadhama have been temporarily closed due to safety concerns. Hotel bookings have declined, and local businesses dependent on tourism are facing financial strain. Authorities are exploring ways to revive tourism safely once the weather improves.
EXTENSIVE FLOODING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DISRUPTION ACROSS THE DISTRICT
Floodwaters have inundated multiple localities, including Ullal, Kumpala, Kallapu, Uchila, and Kotekar, forcing evacuations and rescue operations using boats. The Jeppinamogaru area witnessed severe flooding, with water entering residential and commercial buildings. Critical infrastructure such as rail underbridges at Jeppu and Padil has been submerged, disrupting transportation. The Kettikal hillock, a known landslide-prone red zone, experienced a landslip that affected vehicular movement. Several other areas, including Jokatte Gram Panchayat, face the risk of building collapses due to soil erosion and waterlogging. Schools and colleges in Dakshina Kannada and neighboring Udupi district were closed as a precautionary measure.
Local fishermen, already affected by rough sea conditions, are being advised to stay ashore until further notice. The coast guard and marine police have increased patrols to monitor the safety of fishing vessels and prevent accidents. Fishermen’s associations are coordinating with government agencies to provide timely information and support.
Environmentalists have highlighted the need for sustainable watershed management and afforestation to reduce the impact of such extreme weather events. They emphasize that unchecked deforestation and urbanization have increased vulnerability to floods and landslides in the Western Ghats region. Calls for stricter environmental regulations and community participation in conservation efforts are gaining momentum.
The district administration has appealed to citizens to avoid spreading rumors and misinformation on social media, which can cause unnecessary panic. Official updates are being disseminated through verified channels, and residents are encouraged to rely on these sources for accurate information.
RECORD-BREAKING RAINFALL AND WEATHER ALERTS IN EFFECT
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, warning of continued heavy rainfall until June 1. Kotekar in Ullal taluk recorded an extraordinary 312.5 mm of rain in 24 hours, with Talapady, Kinnya, and Munnur also receiving over 250 mm. Sixteen other locations reported rainfall exceeding 100 mm. Rivers such as Netravathi and Phalguni are flowing above danger levels, threatening further flooding of nearby villages. The district administration has urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow instructions from emergency services. Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE AND RELIEF MEASURES UNDERWAY
Dakshina Kannada district-in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has been actively overseeing relief efforts and has personally handed over compensation to affected families. The district administration has deployed NDRF teams, local police, and disaster management units to conduct rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced residents, and food and medical aid are being provided. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with meteorological departments and neighboring districts to manage the crisis. Public announcements and advisories are being regularly issued to keep citizens informed.
IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE AND ECONOMY
The heavy rains and flooding have severely disrupted daily life in Dakshina Kannada. Traffic on major roads has come to a standstill due to waterlogging and fallen trees. Public transport services, including buses and trains, have been delayed or suspended in several areas. Schools and colleges remain closed, impacting education for thousands of students. Many small businesses, especially in flood-affected zones like Mission Street and Rao and Rao Circle in Mangaluru, have suffered damage to property and stock. The flooding of a dry fish godown in Bandar has caused significant economic loss to local fishermen and traders.
As the monsoon continues, meteorologists predict intermittent heavy showers in Dakshina Kannada over the next week. The government and emergency services remain on high alert, ready to respond to any further escalation. The coming days will be critical in managing the aftermath of the current deluge and ensuring the safety and recovery of affected communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND LONG-TERM CONCERNS
The persistent heavy rainfall has raised concerns about soil erosion, landslide risks, and the structural integrity of buildings in vulnerable areas. Coastal erosion is threatening residents living near the shoreline, particularly in Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts. The hilly regions of Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru continue to experience wet and chilly weather, with reservoirs across Karnataka reporting high inflows. Experts warn that continuous monitoring and preventive measures are essential to mitigate further damage and safeguard lives during the ongoing monsoon season.
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND CALLS FOR PREPAREDNESS
Despite the challenges posed by the heavy rains, communities across Dakshina Kannada have demonstrated resilience and solidarity. Local volunteers, NGOs, and civic groups have joined hands with government agencies to assist in relief operations. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, avoid floodwaters, and report emergencies promptly. The situation underscores the importance of disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and sustainable urban planning to cope with extreme weather events intensified by climate change.
The prolonged heavy rains have also impacted water supply systems in Dakshina Kannada, with several water treatment plants facing operational challenges due to contamination and power outages. Authorities are working to restore safe drinking water access, distributing bottled water and setting up temporary purification units in the most affected areas to prevent health hazards.
In response to the crisis, several non-governmental organizations and volunteer groups have mobilized to provide relief materials, including food packets, blankets, and medical supplies, to displaced families. Community kitchens have been established in relief camps to ensure that those affected receive adequate nutrition during this difficult period.
Looking ahead, experts stress the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure and early warning systems to better prepare Dakshina Kannada for future monsoon seasons. Strengthening embankments, improving drainage networks, and promoting community awareness programs are vital steps to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events and protect vulnerable populations.
Follow: IMD | Karnataka
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