Karnataka continues to have a sustained monsoon activity and in the near future, the weather service forecasts that heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue to accumulate in the Coastal and Malnad areas over the next few days. The prolonged showers have led to overflowing rivers, waterlogging in the lower reaches of the country, and landslides in the hilly areas of the state.
So far the weather outlook has triggered alerts on what is happening, and disaster management agencies and district administration have issued alerts to the public to be on guard. Residents who live near rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas are warned to keep the weather updated and not travel except when absolutely necessary.
One of the immediate concerns is the rising water levels in Netravathi and Tunga rivers which are above normal levels at some places in their catchment areas. Officials are monitoring the river levels, particularly in vulnerable villages in the riverbanks where localized flooding is still likely if rains continue.
Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts in coastal Karnataka have been experiencing sustained rainfall, while the Malnad districts such as Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Kodagu and Hassan have also received significant rainfall. The continuous rains have replenished reservoirs and improved water availability but have also met transportation, agriculture and daily life challenges.
The road connection in some hilly areas has been damaged by small landslides, fallen trees and flooded roads. Authorities have deployed personnel to clear up the debris and resume normal traffic flow from these areas and to make sure there is a traffic flow as possible. Motorists passing through ghat sections have been advised to take extreme care, reduce speed and not to go when it rains heavily.
State disaster management authorities are working with district administration, police, fire services and local civic organisations to put on standby emergency response teams. Emergency equipment, emergency shelters and relief materials have been sent to districts prone to flooding and landslides.
The southwest monsoon, together with the favourable weather conditions in the Arabian Sea, is maintaining the moisture-laden winds to the western coast of Karnataka. With the winds moving towards the Western Ghats, they cause heavy rains to hit the Coastal and Malnad belts for many days.
The continuous rainfall has also been beneficial for agriculture because of soil moisture and irrigation. Paddy fields and other monsoon crops have also been supplied with much-needed water and the reservoirs of drinking water and hydroelectric plants have been flowing well. But excessive rainfall can also damage standing crops, delay harvesting and increase soil erosion in areas vulnerable to rainwater.
They have advised tourists going to the Western Ghats, including hill stations, waterfalls, trekking routes and pilgrimage centres, to check the weather condition in the region before travelling. Swollen rivers, waterfalls and waterlogged areas in the mountains have been advised to be avoided by tourists, where strong currents pose high safety risks.
Residents must take basic safety precautions to secure open space, keep electrical equipment from being exposed to water, have emergency supplies in place, and store important papers in waterproof containers. Residents living near unstable slopes are advised to report any movement in the ground, cracks or unusual noises they hear that may be indicative of a landslide.
Health officials have also cautioned the public about waterborne diseases during prolonged monsoon seasons. Residents should drink safe drinking water, maintain hygiene, avoid stagnant water and seek medical attention if they feel fever or infection develop.
The state government has assured citizens that all relevant departments are prepared to respond to crises caused by the continuing rainfall. District control rooms are operating on schedule and disaster response teams are monitoring rainfall intensity, river levels and vulnerable places.
In view of the fact that Karnataka is still experiencing a strong monsoon that is still active, authorities still recommend people be prepared and take care of themselves and public participation. With rain in Coastal and Malnad districts and heavy rainfall forecast to continue, people need to follow official advisories and avoid any unnecessary risks to their lives and safety until weather conditions improve.
